Under consideration PE1967: Protect Loch Lomond’s Atlantic oakwood shoreline by implementing the High Road option for the A82 upgrade between Tarbet and Inverarnan.
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to reconsider the process for selecting the preferred option for the planned upgrade of the A82 between Tarbet and Inveraranan, and replace the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) based assessment with the more comprehensive Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance.
Previous action taken
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. This has included letters to the press, an article in the Glasgow Heralds 'Agenda' column and a deputation to the board of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
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.
Background information
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 the following advantages:
Oak woods and shoreline preserved, allowing wildlife and people to reconnect;
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 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 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;
Alleviating visitor management pressures along whole length of old road and in the congested Tarbet Bay area;
A high road would give stunning views of Loch Lomond.
768 signatures
This petition is now under consideration
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