Accident waiting to happen on A82 as pedestrians continue to use bridge in Drumnadrochit
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Pedestrians continuing to walk in droves along a bridge in Drumnadrochit is an accident waiting to happen, says the community council chairman.
As part of the A82: Make it Safe campaign, David Fraser of Glen Urquhart Community Council said it was time for plans for a low-level walk and cycle way to be revisited.
"In the early 2000s, Highland Council and Transport Scotland came up with an excellent plan for a low-level walk and cycleway alongside the A82," he said.
"This would help divert people away from the roadside, and would almost overnight take away many of the problems we are experiencing on the road.
"However, nothing has been done about progressing the plan for some time – and the community council, supported by at least one top Highland councillor, has been asking that it is looked at with urgency and a feasibility study undertaken."
The Courier launched the campaign last month after statistics showed 18 people had died on the A82 between January 2017 and summer 2019. Other people have been killed in accidents on the road since, including two in October.
The bridge crosses the River Enrick and near a on a tight corner and crossroads.
"The bridge is also used by children going to and from school, and a pedestrian route for locals as well as being part of the Great Glen Way," Mr Fraser said.
"We have concerns for the many pedestrians who use the bridge. The A82 is a busy road with heavy haulage, commuters, everyday road users and tourists.
"There is nowhere for people to go if they are coming over the bridge and other pedestrians are coming the other way.
"There is a narrow path, but people – through no fault of their own – are pushed out onto the road.
"On many occasions I have seen people straying onto the road. We have a great concern that an accident might happen.
"We have been asking Transport Scotland for urgent consideration to be given to a separate crossing for pedestrians."
Mr Fraser continued: "The irony of the whole thing is that if we used the Caledonian Canal at the basin in Fort Augustus for the heavy haulage that needs to go to Inverness, and beyond, then the numbers of vehicles could be reduced on the road.
"What we need is a change of policy and a change of attitude.
"We have a need for major investment on the A82, but without a campaign like the one being led by the Inverness Courier, we are not going to see that happen."
Support the petition at tiny.cc/A82-make-it-safe
Related story: Hundreds sign petition to campaign for safety measures
