Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, this morning attended the sod-cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of the construction of the A82 Crianlarich Bypass. Transport Minister Keith Brown was due to cut the first sod, but an accident which blocked the A85 road prevented him from reaching the event.
Speaking afterwards, Jamie said:
“The A82 is one of the main gateways to the Highlands & Islands and is desperately in need of upgrading in a lot of places.
“Unfortunately, this morning the Transport Minister was unable to attend to cut the first sod as he was held up by a car crash on the A85 just east of Crianlarich and the road was closed. The opening of the construction site went ahead without him. These accidents and long closures happen all too often on the A85 and pose huge problems for people going to Oban.
“With regard to the A82, the beginning of construction of the Crianlarich by-pass is a step in the right direction, but there is still a great deal to be done to upgrade this vital route to ensure it meets the standards of the twenty-first century and to make it safer for all drivers”.