A £500,000 contract underway on the A82 near Loch Lomond marks the start of preparatory work for major improvements said Transport Minister Keith Brown today.

The contract, being delivered by Amey, will see detailed surveys on north Loch Lomondside between Tarbet and Inverarnan as part of early investigations for the upgrade.

Mr Brown said: "This Scottish Government is committed to upgrading the A82, as set out in the Infrastructure Investment Plan. Along with the two current major capital investments at Pulpit Rock and Crianlarich Bypass, we aim to deliver a route is fit for the 21st century.

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"We recognise that the A82 is a vital economic and social lifeline, connecting businesses and communities in the Highlands and Islands with the central belt. That is why it is important we carefully plan a solution that best fits the geographic challenges of this famous route while maintaining the world renowned beauty of the area. These surveys provide a critical first insight towards this understanding."

Over the next few weeks, survey teams will collect information that informs the future upgrade of this key route connecting the West Highlands to the central belt. This information includes a detailed assessment of heights and slopes of the adjacent landscape and the height of the A82 itself in relation to this.

It will also include ‘bathymetric’ surveys, using a boat with a sonar device, to determine the water depth in Loch Lomond along the western shoreline.

A series of environmental surveys is also being undertaken to identify key sites and provide valuable background information ensuring the upgrade of the A82 sits well within the scenic setting of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

The surveys will be completed before the end of March.

(GK)