Transport Scotland has announced the preferred route for any future upgrade work on an important stretch of the A82 Glasgow to Inverness road.
The existing 10-mile stretch of the road between Tarbert and Inverarnan will be the focus of work following an engineering, environmental, economic and traffic assessment.
But Transport Minister Keith Brown said that the section presented “many complex engineering challenges”, making the upgrade more difficult.
He said that the future work must fit with the area’s outstanding landscape and maintain the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
He said: “We will now further develop our plans in more detail with a view to identifying a preferred route by spring next year. This work will include the necessary assessment of how best to construct the improvements.
“The work we are doing along this vital route that connects the Highlands and Islands with the central belt will lead to improved road safety and journey time reliability and meet the needs of business, communities and visitors alike.”
Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Dick Walsh, welcomed the news.
Mr Walsh said: “The A82 is one of a number of key strategic routes which play a vital part in Argyll and Bute’s economic growth.
“On Wednesday we joined other stakeholders for discussions about this, and the majority of those present agreed that future investment in the A82 is extremely important.”
He said that the council would meet Transport Scotland next month for more discussion, adding: “Anything which keeps Argyll and Bute moving is to be encouraged.”
