National Park specialists advise on sensitive A82 plans

6 February 2012

A team of specialists from Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park are helping Transport Scotland and Amey with a £500K study of the A82 upgrade works. Rangers along with specialists in landscape, visitor management issues, ecology and recreation will feed into the study to make sure the route is upgraded sensitively and appropriately given the area’s outstanding status. 

The study will help inform future upgrade designs for the section between Tarbet and Inverarnan. Work has already been funded for the sections of road at Pulpit Rock and the Crianlarich bypass which are expected to go ahead.

Speaking about the study, Fiona Logan, CEO of the National Park said:

“The A82 is a major tourism route into the National Park. For many people coming to the area, this important road offers that first special glimpse of Loch Lomond. We absolutely support the need to improve the safety and layout of the A82 and at the same time, we can improve the visitor experience by identifying potential recreational and tourist opportunities along the way. Using our experts, we can also help identify any environmental constraints that might come from the difficult terrain. We can also advise on nationally important scenery and wildlife.

We have an excellent working relationship with Transport Scotland and by working together we can provide a baseline for sensitive solutions for future upgrade work.

Research from around the world has indicated that good road design leads to increased visitor numbers and this is certainly our aim to help the rural economy and help our visitors enjoy their journey along the world famous bonnie banks.”

The surveys will be completed before the end of March.