Radical plans to create a tramway which would run parallel to the Stromeferry bypass have taken a step forward.
Consultants have been appointed to investigate the viability of a joint road-rail track on the Kyle of Lochalsh line which runs alongside the bypass. The road itself has been plagued by landslides over the years forcing it to close for long periods with drivers facing a 140-mile diversion.
Mott MacDonald, an engineering management and development consultancy, was commissioned by the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, Hitrans, to undertake the study.
The move comes as a Highlands and Islands MSP hit out at the length of time it is taking for the Stromeferry bypass itself to be upgraded.
Rhoda Grant said: “I am really concerned that, if we do not get a plan in place as to how best we can upgrade or reroute this particular road, then it will continue to be a case of an accident waiting to happen with serious consequences.”
But if ambitious plans to reclassify the railway as a tramway are given the green light, cars and trains could share the same surface.
Hitrans, which is working alongside Highland Council, has already identified trains, which were previously used on the London underground, as being ideally suited for this route.
A Stromeferry site visit by the partnership revealed there would be no significant engineering problems if rail and highway sections were interlaced, but an appropriate traffic management system would have to be developed.
Hitrans manager, Frank Roach, said: “Basically we wanted to see if road and rail could share the same space and if it was geographically feasible. There are many hurdles which may arise, but it is going to cost at least £80million to upgrade the road and if we can find something that would be cheaper, it would be a solution.”
Mrs Grant added: “I appreciate that finance is one of the main issues and the road-rail plan may offer a solution which is more cost effective.
“A lasting solution needs to be agreed and a safer route built, otherwise we are continuing to put people who use this road at risk.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “The new Highland Council will be able to consider a report which will be presented at the next Planning, Development & Infrastructure Committee on Monday, June 12.
It is hoped that a £60million tram-train service between Sheffield and Rotherham will come into service later this year.
