Transport Scotland has said work to improve the A82 at Crianlarich has taken another step forward following the awarding of a contract.

The authority intends to award the £5m Crianlarich Bypass contract to RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd.

The new 1.3km single two-lane road, located to the west of the village, will help reduce congestion at the site where the A82 and the A85 trunk roads currently coverage in the centre of the village. It is also hoped that it will help traffic to avoid the low bridges.

Subject to a mandatory standstill period, RJ McLeod (Contractors( Ltd will commence construction in the coming weeks, with much of the work taking place outside the existing road. Transport Scotland said traffic management will also be kept to a minimum.

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The Crianlarich Bypass is currently on target to be delivered in Summer 2014.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, Nicola Sturgeon said: "The Scottish Government is committed to improving Scotland's transport infrastructure and the announcement of the intention to award today further cements our investment in the A82, which is also undergoing significant investment at Pulpit Rock through a £9.2 million road widening scheme.

"Communities and businesses will benefit greatly from the works on this route, which links the western Highlands with Fort William and the Highlands and Western Isles with Glasgow and the Central Belt, by improving access to the village and making it a more pleasant destination for locals and tourists alike while enabling others to continue their journeys without unnecessary delays."

(JP)