The Crianlarich Bypass is expected to get underway next summer and be completed the following year.

The timings were confirmed as Transport Scotland prepare to publish the Made Orders for the £5.5 million scheme, confirming the final line the new road will take, later this week (6 September).

Information on the bypass will form part of public exhibitions being held next week to inform the public of our programme of planned improvements along the A82.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The Scottish Government is committed to upgrading the A82, a vital economic and social lifeline connecting businesses and communities in Highlands and Islands with central belt. The publication of these orders marks another step towards achieving that goal.

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"Along with the Crianlarich Bypass, Transport Scotland is also taking forward the Pulpit Rock improvement works which will remove traffic signals from the location after 30 years and enable the free flow of traffic.

"Working in areas along the A82 presents engineering challenges, not least from minimising the impact on the local area. That is why my officials will be working closely with business and communities who depend on the A82 to ensure they are kept informed as the work progresses.

"As part of that engagement, a series of public exhibitions are being held next week in venues in the area including Fort William and Oban to give the public an opportunity to view information on our programme of planned improvements along the A82."

The Bypass, which is expected to get underway next summer (2013), will provide just under one mile of new road from the south of Crianlarich to the north of the village. It will also help ease the bottleneck that occurs at the junction with the A85.

The public exhibitions include information on the Pulpit Rock works, Crianlarich Bypass, A83 Rest & Be Thankful and planned wider upgrades to the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan.

(GK)