A BUSY Scottish ferry service could be replaced by a tunnel or bridge, according to a new report.
The Corran Ferry in Lochaber, which crosses one of Scotland’s most scenic waterways, could be retired in favour of a fixed link after a study by transport consultants Stantec found it was feasible from an engineering, planning and economic perspective.
The ageing Corran Narrows ferry – which has the second highest volume of vehicles carried by a ferry service in the country – recently returning to service after a breakdown.
The feasibility study was jointly funded by HITRANS, Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), who believe a fixed link would improve connectivity between Lochaber and the west Highland peninsulas.
The three options currently being looked at are a tunnel, a bridge along the existing ferry route or a bridge along a central corridor to the south of the route.
The estimated cost of such a project ranges from £42 million for a bridge to £108m for a tunnel. Transport Scotland will soon be approached to support the funding.
Councillor Allan Henderson, Chair of HITRANS and vice-convener of The 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. Residents can be assured we will all be pressing home our strong case for investment.”
Interim director of strategy at HIE Martin Johnson 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.”
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