A HELENSBURGH group is set to urge National Park planning chiefs not to support a ‘low road’ option for an upgrade to the A82 along Loch Lomondside.
Transport Scotland has opted for a ‘preferred route’ largely following the current trunk road between Tarbet and Inverarnan – a notorious hot-spot for accidents – as it seeks to improve connectivity between central Scotland and the west Highlands.
But the Helensburgh and District Access Trust (HADAT) says a ‘low road’ upgrade option is “a second-rate scheme” – and that a better solution would be to build a new road above the existing railway line.
Representatives of the Trust will make their case in a deputation to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park board members next week, seeking the park authority's backing for their alternative plan.
HADAT convener John Urquhart said: "The upgrade of the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan is long overdue. But a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the experience of millions of Loch Lomond visitors is in danger of being squandered.
"Eight years of travel pain are being promised for very little gain.
"The plan to follow the existing shoreline road will just compound the disturbance which has long damaged a zone of exceptional ecological, scenic and recreational value.
"The ironing out of bends will destroy irreplaceable Atlantic oak woodland. The new road will mostly be right on the shoreline, damaging scenery and wildlife habitat.
"Noise from faster traffic will be a constant intrusion. The pedestrian/cycle route will often be just a few noisy, polluted and dangerous metres from the new carriageway
"This is a second rate scheme which does not reflect current standards and sensibilities and is not worthy of this beautiful and precious national park location.
"A better solution would be to build the new road above the railway line, in areas dominated by conifer monoculture or rough grazing."
Mr Urquhart says the Trust's alternative proposal would avoid damaging the oak woodland and shoreline, and would retain the old (current) A82 for access to properties and for occasional use as a diversion.
Mr Urquhart says 10 advantages of the Trust's alternative proposals are:
- Biodiverse oak woods and shoreline will be preserved, allowing wildlife and people to reconnect with loch margins.
- The old road would continue to carry traffic during the construction period (saving time and money) and afterwards would be available as a delightful walking and cycling route (saving more time and money as no cycle way would need to be built).
- The old road would continue to be available for access to property and for occasional use as a diversion when the new road required to be closed
- The Three Lochs Way Great Walking Trail - which is maintained by HADAT - could be linked to the West Highland Way at Inverarnan, facilitating a long wished for Round Loch Lomond walking route.
- Fewer engineering problems accommodating existing buildings and infrastructure.
- Tarbet and Ardlui would be by-passed by heavy traffic as would a number of isolated dwellings along the route, improving quality of life for residents and alleviating road safety issues at Arrochar Primary School.
- The higher, straighter route will be faster and safer than any loch side route could ever be.
- Freeing up of land for parking in the congested Tarbet Bay area would alleviate visitor management pressures there.
- The new road would afford stunning views of Loch Lomond.
- Native woodland plantings along the new road will improve impoverished biodiversity.
Mr Urquhart added: "The emphasis should be on preserving the natural environment - by tunnelling through rock spurs, elevating the carriageway above rugged topography and retaining and even enlarging priceless native woodland."
The trust's plea will be heard at a meeting of the park authority's board on Monday, December 13.
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