A petition has been launched calling on the Scottish Government to protect Loch Lomond’s shoreline from an upgraded A82.
The Helensburgh and District Access Trust has launched the petition, which calls on the Scottish Government to reconsider their process for selecting the preferred option for the planned upgrade of the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan.
Transport Scotland is proposing a £150million upgrade of the section, which is currently considered narrow and dangerous, as it winds its way through challenging terrain close to the lochshore and the West Highland Railway.
Proposals include a series of large and highly-visible rock cuts, lengthy sections of viaduct structures built out over the loch and removal of extensive areas of protected ancient oak woodlands to develop an upgraded route that is very close to the existing A82 but wider with fewer bends.
The Access Trust have previously warned such works will be a “disaster” and are calling for a ‘high road’ option which is set further back from the loch.
John Urquhart, convenor of HADAT, said: “We have held face to face meetings with Ross Greer MSP and Jackie Baillie MSP.
“A campaign has been conducted aimed at informing officials, politicians and the public about the issues posed by the A82 upgrade proposal.
“We have also submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, which revealed that route selection was made without full and comprehensive cost benefit analysis of all options.
“Reflecting Loch Lomond’s National Park status and outstanding natural beauty as well as taking into account wider long term environmental, recreational, economic and social benefits, we feel that pursuing the high road option would offer a range of advantages.”
The Trust argue that a ‘high road’ option would: preserve oak woods and shoreline, allowing wildlife and people to reconnect.
The old road could continue to carry traffic during the construction period and afterwards would be available as a walking and cycling route.
The existing road would continue to be available for access to the property and for occasional use as a diversion when necessary.
The Three Lochs Way Great Walking Trail could be linked to the West Highland Way at Inverarnan.
Tarbet and Ardlui would be by-passed by heavy traffic, improving the quality of life for residents and alleviating road safety issues at Arrochar Primary School.
The higher, straighter route would be faster and safer than any loch side route could ever be.
It would help alleviate visitor management pressures along the whole length of old road and in the congested Tarbet Bay area.
A high road would give stunning views of Loch Lomond.
Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton constituency MSP, said: “The A82 is a dangerous road and an urgent upgrade is required.
“I thank the Helensburgh and District Access Trust and The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs for bringing forward this petition and understand the frustrations of local road users who continue to wait for an overhaul of this route.
“I have raised this issue with the Transport Minister previously and believe that a full appraisal is required to be sure we select the best possible route for the area.
“I will continue to press the Scottish Government on this and am happy to engage further with the Helensburgh and District Access Trust and The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs to work towards a proper, timely solution.”
The petition is available to view and sign via petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE1967.
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “As with all improvements to the trunk road we are following a rigorous assessment process to establish the design of the A82 Tarbet to Inverarnan scheme.
“We are satisfied that we have followed due process and remain satisfied with the outcomes of the options appraisal process.
“We fully understand people feel strongly about this route and this is why maintaining the natural beauty of this key lifeline link is an integral part of the design to ensure we deliver the right scheme and keep impacts on the environment to the absolute minimum. Engagement with local communities is vital.”
