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The existing road is single track and generally follows the coast. Options for the new road considered the upgrading of the existing coastal route and a number of alternative inland routes all of which had environmental advantages and disadvantages, particularly in relation to ecological and landscape impacts on the coast, moorland and rugged hill landscapes.
A830 Engineering & Environmental Requirements
The engineering requirements were to provide a two lane road with 1 metre hard strips and a three lane overtaking section. A compromise reached between engineering and environmental requirements was such that the preferred route ran at the junction between rock outcrops and the moorland.
The need to tie-into the recently completed Morar Bridge meant that a 30 metre rock cut was required at Kinsadel. This rock cut was carefully designed such that the berms and embayments reflected local geological features.
A830 Landscape Design
Part of the road passes through the village of Arisaig and the landscape design was required to reflect the need for a 'Gateway' feature at Arisaig and included:
- Traffic calming in the village
- Minimalist landscape treatments at the open moorland
- Dense tree planting to reflect the Atlantic woodland in the upland landscape to the north of the site
Work commenced on site in September 2001 and was completed in Spring 2003. The project is currently in its maintenance period.
ASH Services for A830 Preferred Route Selection included:
- Site planning
- Public local enquiry
- Landscape design & build
- Specimen design & specification
- Site monitoring
