Anger is growing in Lochaber amid claims the SNP has snubbed the area by omitting any A82 upgrade plans from its manifesto.
The party’s election document lists its plans for eight roads in Scotland, but does not mention the busy Inverness to Glasgow trunk road.
The A82 was name-checked in the Liberal Democrat and Scottish Conservative manifestos, while Labour is yet to publish theirs.
Stewart MacLean, of the A82 Partnership, said: “Having contacted all the political parties in the run up to the preparation of their manifestos, we are extremely disappointed to note that the SNP manifesto does not include any reference to the upgrading of the A82.
“This is particularly disappointing as planning for the upgrade for Tarbet to Inverarnan is at an advanced stage and we had anticipated that funding would be provided for these works.”
Mr MacLean added they had also hoped for a commitment on upgrading the Onich to Fort William stretch in Lochaber.
He said: “It needs realigning and widening as there are a high number of accidents on this stretch.”
Leader of Highland Council’s Lochaber committee, Thomas MacLennan said it was “extremely disappointing” that the current party of government in Scotland had forgotten the A82, which urgently needed upgrading.
The independent councillor said: “Given the toll of accidents and deaths on the A82, I find it difficult to understand how there has been an oversight of this kind.”
Councillor Andrew Baxter, Fort William and Ardnamurchan, who is also unaligned, added: “I’m surprised there was no mention of the A82. I just hope it’s a drafting oversight.”
The SNP manifesto says its investment plan will include improvements to the A9, A96, A77, A75, M74, A7, A1 and A68.
An SNP spokesman said: “We have invested £71.7million in the route since 2007, including the completion of the Crianlarich Bypass and the Pulpit Rock Improvements.
“The SNP are absolutely committed to further upgrading the A82 and initial work in advance of the upgrade began in February – meeting the pledge made by Transport Minister Derek Mackay to the A82 Partnership.
“We will continue to work to deliver upgrades between Tarbet and Invernan if re-elected.”
He added the party knew how important this route was to the communities it served and was determined to ensure it continued to be improved.
