A significant stride has been taken in addressing Fort William's persistent traffic challenges with the formal appointment of consultants to develop a long-awaited Integrated Transport Plan (ITP).

The town has grappled with congestion and prolonged journey times on the A82 and A830 for many years, issues frequently worsened by high seasonal traffic volumes.

These traffic concerns significantly impact local residents, businesses, and essential emergency services, with reports of staff facing difficulties reaching their workplaces and emergency vehicles experiencing delays. Local businesses have also indicated that existing network constraints have directly influenced decisions regarding expansion.

The development of an ITP for Fort William was a key recommendation from Scotland's second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), published in December 2022. This comprehensive plan is designed to establish a proposed package of interventions, priorities, strategic direction, responsibilities, funding sources, and a clear process for enacting change in the area.

Over the next 18 months, the plan will be developed collaboratively by AECOM and Stantec, two globally recognised infrastructure consulting companies. A Client Delivery Group, formed in January 2025, comprises HITRANS (as the lead), Transport Scotland, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and FW2040. This group will coordinate the project, guided by a shared vision for the future of Fort William and Lochaber. Funding for the initiative is being provided jointly by Transport Scotland, HITRANS, and The Highland Council.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee and a HITRANS Board Member, hailed the development as a crucial step. "This is a significant and long-overdue milestone for Fort William," he stated. "The appointment of AECOM and Stantec to take forward the Integrated Transport Plan brings renewed momentum and a real opportunity to tackle the long-standing issues of congestion and connectivity that affect residents, businesses, and emergency services alike."

-- Advertisement --

He added: "By working in partnership and drawing on expert insight, we're committed to delivering a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible transport system that meets the needs of our growing community. This plan is a key step in shaping a better future for Fort William and the wider Lochaber area."

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland underlined the plan's objectives: "Scotland's Second Strategic Transport Project Review (STPR2) recommended a Fort William Integrated Transport Plan, and it's great to see this important work getting underway. The plan will explore and develop a combination of measures to improve local connections, access and enhancing the sense of place for those who live, work and visit the area along with safety and improved journey time reliability on the A82 through Fort William." They further noted that the plan would be an in-depth, multi-modal transport study, responding to challenges and opportunities while ensuring robust proposals for future investment.

Richie Fraser, Project Director at AECOM, expressed his company's commitment: "AECOM is proud to work in collaboration with Stantec and HITRANS to lead the delivery of an integrated transport plan to improve travel conditions for people living, working and visiting Fort William. Ultimately, our aim is to support a more efficient, sustainable and accessible transport system that local people can be proud of, and one that will connect communities, support businesses, and unlock growth across the region."

Emily Seaman, Director, Transport Planning at Stantec, also commented: "Having worked closely and successfully with HITRANS on its Regional Transport Strategy, we're incredibly proud to be appointed to support the Fort William Integrated Transport Plan alongside AECOM. We'll be leveraging our extensive local knowledge and respected position in the area, as well as our industry leading global expertise, to deliver meaningful benefits for communities that will enhance both connectivity and the regional economy."

The proposed study area extends across the borders of Loch Eil, Loch Linnhe, and along the corridors of the Great Glen and Glen Nevis. The region's topography, including the River Lochy, Nevis, and Loch Linnhe flood risk areas, and the steep glens, significantly influence development potential and feasible travel connections. The area is primarily served by the A82 and A830 trunk roads, along with railway lines connecting to Glasgow and Mallaig. Fort William also functions as a vital port and a West Highland hub for the coach network, with services to various destinations, complemented by National Cycle Route 78 and other active travel links. Localised issues are often attributed to the proximity of junctions and queuing associated with opposed right-turns on the A82. Furthermore, incidents on these routes are compounded by the lack of readily available and often lengthy (up to 160 miles) diversionary routes.