Cycleway improvements are coming to the A830 in Fort William as part of ongoing efforts to enhance transportation options for pedestrians, cyclists, and other users. The project, led by BEAR Scotland for Transport Scotland, is set to make significant changes along the stretch from the A82/A830 Road to the Isles Roundabout to the Banavie Swing Bridge.
Resurfacing Delayed Due to Weather
The planned resurfacing of the A830, initially scheduled to start earlier, has been delayed due to the impact of recent cold weather. The new start date for the resurfacing works is Tuesday, January 14, 2025. These improvements form part of a wider initiative to improve road safety and accessibility in the Fort William and Corpach areas, particularly for those walking, cycling, or wheeling.
What’s Included in the Upgrades?
The primary focus of the upgrades includes:
- Widening the Cycleway: The existing shared-use cycleway will be expanded to accommodate more users and improve safety.
- Improved Crossing Points: Key pedestrian and cyclist crossing areas will be upgraded for better accessibility.
- Traffic Signal Upgrades: Existing traffic signals will be modernized to improve traffic flow and reduce journey times, particularly in Fort William.
- Surface and Road Markings: The road surface will be improved, with new markings to enhance navigation and safety.
These changes aim to encourage more sustainable travel options, aligning with the Scottish Government’s goals to make walking and cycling the go-to choices for everyday journeys.
Impact on Traffic and Road Users
To ensure the safety of both roadworkers and motorists, temporary lane closures and traffic lights will be in place from 7am to 5pm on weekdays. For the resurfacing works, which are scheduled to run from 7pm to 6am each night, access to the A830 from the B8006 opposite Lochaber High School will be restricted from 8.30pm onwards. During this time, motorists will be diverted via Kilmallie Road to access the A830 east of Banavie Swing Bridge.
The project is expected to be completed by Sunday, February 16, 2025, pending any unforeseen weather delays.
Keeping Locals Informed
BEAR Scotland has worked closely with local stakeholders to keep residents and road users informed about the work. Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, emphasized the importance of these improvements for local safety and comfort.
“We encourage road users to plan ahead and check for real-time traffic updates on the Traffic Scotland website,” said Stewart. “We are committed to completing the project as quickly and safely as possible and appreciate everyone’s patience during this essential work.”
Traffic Management and Communication
For those planning to travel through the area, live journey information can be found on the Traffic Scotland website, as well as updates on social media platforms like X (@trafficscotland).
