The Highland Council has been awarded a £100,000 active travel improvement grant from HITRANS.

Following the funding announce, the council confirmed that phase one of the improvement programme will begin with immediate works at the town's Underpass, which leads from the Town Centre to the Transport Centre.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "As a board member of HITRANS, I am pleased they have recognised the need for improvements and awarded the active travel improvement grant. This will enable the 'Fort William 2040' vision of making active travel across Fort William a more sustainable, healthy, and affordable transport choice."

Cllr Gowans added: "The research is clear, for the climate emergency, for people's health, for household budgets, for the local environment, and for the vibrancy of our communities and high streets, we need to encourage people to choose active and sustainable travel modes, wherever possible. The council will seek ways to allow us to continue to invest in infrastructure to support the Highland economy."

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Lochaber Area Committee Chair, Cllr Kate Willis said: "The underpass and stairs is the main pedestrian welcome to Fort William town centre from the transport centre and the improvement works that are due to begin shortly will significantly improve both the entrance and visual appearance, whilst offering a safe and well-lit area for pedestrians to use.

"Active travel across Fort William is improving but Census data indicates that approx. 52% of people living within 5km of their workplace are using motorised vehicles to commute. Each improvement that is made to the active travel routes across Fort William will in turn make walking, wheeling or cycling to work an affordable, efficient and reliable choice for those able to make that transition."

The stair access from the travel hub underpass to the town centre has been closed for over six months due to the deterioration of the staircase structure, the funding will allow for priority works to begin, week commencing the 17 April 2023.

Due the nature of the concrete works, the work requires to be carried out when the air temperature is higher. The old stairs will be fully excavated and renewed with new pre-cast concrete steps and drainage channels, a new slip resistant fibreglass tread will be laid over each step and coloured nosing on each step for visibility, new handrails and lighting upgrades will also be installed.

The closure of the underpass will be required at times throughout the works. At these times, pedestrians will be diverted from the train-station to the Belford Road crossing point.

The work zone will have a temporary scaffold tower constructed to allow a protective cover over the stairs ensuring no weather related issues should stop works. Phase one of this programme is scheduled to last for six weeks and all going to plan should be ready for use early in June 2023.