YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE A SAY ON FORT WILLIAM INTEGERATED TRANSPORT PLAN
Residents and businesses are being given the opportunity to help shape a future transport vision for Fort William.
A consultation opens at 5pm today (March 2) on the Fort William Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) aimed at improving infrastructure and connectivity in and around the town.
The ITP plans to support a connected, inclusive, safe and resilient Fort William.
It seeks to address long-standing issues including the reliability and resilience of the trunk road network in the town.
Following feedback, an action plan will be developed as a preferred way forward.
The consultation, which runs until 5pm on Monday April 13, will include an online survey, with an option to give views in hard copy.
An informal drop-in event will be held on March 17 in the Nevis Centre to view designs and speak directly with the project team.
Leaflets promoting the consultation will be sent to every household in the study area which consists of Fort William, Caol, Inverlochy, Banavie and Corpach.
In addition, a dedicated email address has been set up to allow direct feedback to the project team – FortWilliamITP@aecom.com.
The study is led by Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership (HITRANS) which commissioned AECOM in partnership with Stantec to develop the ITP.
Transport Scotland and The Highland Council are also providing funding to support the work.
It will look at journey times and seasonal congestion on the A82 and A830 and how it impacts on drivers, public transport and businesses.
Other problems include a lack of alternative routes during road closures, poor bus accessibility and limited local rail services and Central Belt connections.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “An Integrated Transport Plan for Fort William was recommended in the second Strategic Transport Projects Review and I’m pleased that it is now out for public consultation.
“The Integrated Transport Plan should increase resilience and reliability on the trunk road, improve sustainable transport and enhance the sense of place in the local community.
“The Scottish Government is committed to bringing this complex piece of work together with the Fort William 2040 Masterplan, to ensure we develop a long term, sustainable solution for the people of Fort William and all those who travel on the A82 through the town.”
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee and a HITRANS Board Member, said: “This consultation is your chance to help shape the future of transport in Fort William.
“We all want to see a more efficient, sustainable and accessible transport system that connects communities, supports businesses, and unlocks growth across Fort William and Lochaber.
“By taking part in the consultation, you can make sure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the people who live and work here every day.
“I encourage as many people as possible to take up this opportunity to get involved as we want to hear as many views as possible.”
Frazer Coupland, CEO, West Highland Chamber of Commerce, added: “Inadequate transport links and seasonal gridlock through Fort William have blocked growth across the West Highlands for far too long.
“The Chamber continues to lobby government and speak up for our West Highland communities, fighting for the urgent infrastructure upgrades outlined in our West Highland Manifesto.
“This consultation is our chance to break the deadlock and drive solutions. I urge every local business to speak up now so we can finally secure a transport system that fixes our daily reality and allows our region to thrive.”
For more information contact FortWilliamITP@aecom.com or find more information about the project at https://hitrans.org.uk/projects/fort-william-integrated-transport-plan/