A Loch Lomond conservation group have added their voices to concerns that upgrades to the A82 north of Tarbet will damage the natural environment.
Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs chair, James Fraser, has said he is disappointed by the proposals - which include sections of cut rock, and others built on viaducts over Loch Lomond.
The fears come after members of the Helensburgh and District Access Trust met with representatives of the board of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority last week, warning that work would result in “eight years of travel pain for very little gain.”
Transport Scotland recently unveiled plans for a £150million upgrade of the strategically important A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan, 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.
Friends Chair, James Fraser said: ‘’We are disappointed that the current proposals fall well short of what is required in this sensitive National Park setting, notwithstanding the considerable engineering and environmental constraints that exist.
“A more ambitious scheme that truly embraces the unique setting of the route in this part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is required which is more aligned with the vision set out in the National Park Plan that recognises the importance of protecting the internationally renowned landscape of Loch Lomond for people to enjoy and appreciate the outstanding natural and cultural heritage.’
The Friends believe the current scheme could be greatly improved with the introduction of some more ambitious landscaping solutions, such as green canopies where higher rock cuts are planned, the greening of areas under viaducts, the greater separation of the planned cycleway from road verges with diversions and tiered structures and the construction of a roundabout and safer crossings in the Tarbet area where villagers suffer from high traffic volumes.
They also contend that circumstances have changed significantly in recent years due to the climate emergency and the surge in popularity of Loch Lomond.
A Transport Spokesperson said: “We remain committed to upgrading this key strategic route along the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan.
“The design work for this challenging scheme has continued throughout the pandemic and we have recently been consulting with the public on their experiences of using this route, as we work towards publishing draft orders. The consultation closed on November 19.
“We need to ensure that any future upgrade fits within the area’s outstanding landscape and environment and maintains the renowned beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, whilst also working to ensure we minimise disruption while construction takes place.”
