News banner home › news › news details Multi-million pound project starts 11 June

Work starts today on a £22.8 million scheme to open up a key economic and community lifeline for the West Highlands.

The Transport Scotland investment will see a 7.7km section of the A830 - the last remaining section of single track trunk road on this route - upgraded to two lane status.

The section of road stretches from Arisaig to Loch nan Uamh and forms part of the ‘Road to the Isles’ that links Fort William to Mallaig.

Overall the project will significantly improve safety, traffic flow and journey times and result in better links with Mallaig’s ferry connections to Skye. It will also strengthen connections for the area’s businesses and the tourist industry which is so vital to the regional economy.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"The A830 is a vital link in Scotland's transport network, providing a lifeline connection for rural West Highland communities and a key economic link for the fishing village of Mallaig and other businesses in the area.

"This multi-million pound investment is an important part of our aim to have a more efficient road network and I am delighted work is getting underway to make the A830 a safer and better route that will help build stronger communities."

Traffic management will be required to allow the work to be safely delivered and this will result in disruption to road users. Close liaison with the community, council and police will take place regarding the traffic management.

Contractor Morrison Construction will begin work on site today and the project will be completed early in 2009.

A75 improvements get underway

Transport Scotland will invest £9.2 million into Dumfries and Galloway's infrastructure by widening the A75 at three sections along the 159 km trunk road to provide safe overtaking opportunities.

A 875m section at Barfil to Bettyknowes will have overtaking opportunities provided and the road alignment improved.

A 375m section of road at Newton Stewart will also be widened with a cycle route provided to take cyclists away from the trunk road, through Newton Stewart.

And from Planting End to Drumflower a 1km stretch will be widened to allow overtaking with alignment also being improved.

Overall the work will improve safety and traffic flow by allowing faster moving vehicles to overtake platoons of slower vehicles - reducing driver frustration and improving road safety and journey times.

Both the Barfil to Bettyknowes and Planting End to Drumflower schemes will also provide safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"The A75 is a vital link in Scotland's transport network. This project will bring benefits for communities and businesses across the South West by safely improving traffic flow and improving connections.

"This multi-million pound investment is a key part of our aim to have a more efficient road network and I am delighted work is getting underway to make the A75 a safer route that will help build stronger communities."

The A75 links South Ayrshire with Dumfries and Galloway through Stranraer, Dumfries and Gretna, carrying around 10,000 vehicles a day. It also connects ferry terminals at Stranraer with the M74 and A77.

Single lane working with a reduced speed of 40mph will be required to allow work to take place safely. Contractor Graham Construction will start work today and the programme will be delivered until spring 2008.

Stevenson Presents Seaside Award At Inverboyndie

Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson MSP has today (Friday) presented the Keep Scotland Beautiful Seaside Award Flag to Andy Hickling, Aberdeenshire Council at Inverboyndie Beach, Banff. 

Mr. Stevenson was invited to present the award by the awarding body, Keep Scotland Beautiful, as part of a scheme designed to improve community beach environments.  The scheme awards beaches based on their cleanliness standards, water quality, management, information and facilities.

Speaking after presenting the award Mr. Stevenson said;

                "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to present this award to Inverboyndie Beach.  It is a major achievement and one which is well deserved as the beach has maintained excellent standards over the years making it one of the boasts of our area.

                "This award comes as a result of the combined efforts of Aberdeenshire Council, the East Grampian Coastal Partnership and the hard work of local people to improve bathing water quality, facilities and information services, and to control litter and advance safety measures.  This is a clear sign that Banff & Buchan's communities take pride in the beauty of their local beaches.       

                "Banff & Buchan has been honoured with two Seaside Awards for Inverboyndie Beach and Cruden Bay.  This comes as a major boost to our area, ensuring high standards for the future and enhancing one of our area's foremost tourist attractions."