Fixed link crossing at Corran Narrows is confirmed as a viable option in new study by Highland Council, HITRANS and Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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CONSTRUCTION of a bridge or tunnel to replace the long-established Corran Narrows ferry in Lochaber is a "viable proposition" that "deserves more detailed examination and costing", according to a new study.
This is the conclusion of the new study, which was jointly funded by HITRANS, the regional transport partnership, alongside Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The partners believe the fixed link would dramatically improve connectivity with communities in Ardnamurchan, Morvern and also Mull.
Members of the Board of HITRANS, meeting via video conference last week, were told there are no ‘showstopper’ issues preventing the construction of a fixed link. They heard that the costs of a fixed link are not out of step with a continued ferry service, particularly when set against the range of benefits of a fixed link.
In the study conducted by transport consultants, Stantec, a total of 72 scenarios were examined including an option for a tunnel to the south of the ferry route; as well as routes for bridging the narrows. These were set against the costs of enhancing the existing ferry provision.
Three options for a fixed link remain on the table – a tunnel; a bridge along the existing ferry route and a bridge along a central corridor to the south of the ferry route.
Estimated construction costs of delivering this lifeline connection range from between £42m and £50m for the lowest cost bridge option through to £66m and £108million for a tunnel option.
These estimates are beyond the resources of Highland Council, which runs the ferry service, and it is looking to approach Transport Scotland to support the funding of the project, given its strategic importance to the Scottish economy and to meet the goals of the new National Transport Strategy.
Councillor Allan Henderson, chairman of HITRANS and vice-convener of Highland Council, said: “The Corran Ferry is the second busiest route in Scotland, providing a lifeline service to the remote communities of Ardnamurchan, Morvern and Mull.
"The current service, operated with an ageing vessel and limited crew numbers, is no longer sustainable as demand increases, so we need to consider the best option for upgrading the crossing of the Narrows. Doing nothing is not an option.
"I am very pleased that the feasibility study has demonstrated the viability of a fixed link, which will be a huge benefit to local residents - reducing their travel time and removing the need to pay significant ferry fares.
"From the estimated costs, it is clear that the council will need the Scottish Government to recognise this infrastructure as part of the delivery of the new National Transport Strategy that delivers for all communities in every part of Scotland and turn our hopes for a fixed link into reality. Residents can be assured we will all be pressing home our strong case for investment.”
Martin Johnson, interim director of strategy and regional economy at HIE, said: “New fixed links can offer the potential to open up rural areas to additional economic and employment opportunities, which in turn improve community resilience.
"It is important that these types of infrastructure interventions are considered carefully when identifying the most suitable long-term option for the Corran Narrows crossing. We very much welcome this report from Stantec. It provides focus for potential options going forward and will be extremely valuable in informing next steps.”
