The fixed link would replace the long-established ferry service across the Corran Narrows in West Lochaber. The ferry, which takes five minutes to make the crossing of the Corran Narrows, serves a large area of the west Highlands. A new study has confirmed the viability of spending tens of millions of pounds building a bridge or tunnel across the Corran Narrows in West Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands. To get to the ferry, it is just of the A82 just 5 miles north of Ballachulish Bridge, and 9 miles south of Fort William. Possible bridge at Corran Narrows courtesy of HITRANS. Local councillors on The Highland Council’s Lochaber Area Committee meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) will be asked to agree that the final report of the study into the feasibility of replacing the Corran Narrows ferry service with a fixed link bridge or tunnel be submitted to Transport Scotland as soon as possible as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). But the Corran ferry in Lochaber could soon be consigned to the history books as councillors look to replace it with a bridge or tunnel. See bottom of page for contacting the ferry operator by phone. This is the conclusion of a high level feasibility study jointly funded by HITRANS, the regional transport partnership, The Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. A tunnel or bridge is the “likely long-term” solution to connect Corran and the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The Highland Council-run Corran Ferry is Scotland's second busiest ferry route in terms of cars, after Gourock to Dunoon. A BUSY Scottish ferry service could be replaced by a tunnel or bridge, according to a new report. The Corran Ferry crosses the Narrows to Ardgour Sign up for our daily newsletter featuring the top stories from The Press and Journal. Corran Ferry & Ardgour Lochans’ Walk. Important to note. Video. The Whispering Pine Lodge £104. 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. A fixed link has been proposed to replace the long-established ferry service. The partners believe the fixed link would dramatically improve connectivity between Nether Lochaber and Ardgour, on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, and provide improved access to services and employment opportunities for those living in Ardnamurchan, Morvern and also Mull. So states the high level feasibility study which has now concluded that a bridge or tunnel is a viable proposition from an engineering, planning and economic perspective that deserves more detailed examination and … The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. GB 185 7156 76, Construction of a bridge or tunnel across the Corran Narrows in West Lochaber – replacing the long-established ferry service – is a viable proposition from an engineering, planning and economic perspective that deserves more detailed examination and costing. Oil and gas extraction will be paused and wind energy will expand under Joe Biden's climate plan. Spean Bridge Hotel Ltd £155. A tunnel or bridge could replace Scotland's second busiest ferry service. Answer 1 of 19: I am trying to plan a journey from Mull to Skye by car with a fairly small caravan next June. I'm pretty confused by your question. Corran (Scottish Gaelic: An Corran) is a former fishing village, situated on Corran Point, on the west side of the Corran Narrows of Loch Linnhe, in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. For Further Information Visit: https://www.highland.gov.uk/corranferry and https://twitter.com/CorranFerry. “The Corran Ferry is the second busiest route in Scotland, providing a lifeline service to the remote communities of Ardnamurchan, Morvern and Mull. It carries more than 250,000 vehicles and more than 500,000 passengers a year. If you are heading to Mallaig to catch a ferry for Skye, this is not the quickest route. Tirindrish House Rome2rio makes travelling from Corran Ferry to Fort William easy. The ferry, which takes five minutes to make the crossing of the Corran Narrows, serves a large area of the west Highlands. In addition, the partners are planning to undertake further work to understand the business case including an assessment of the wider economic benefits which a fixed link may realise and hold a series of public engagement sessions. Members of the Board of HITRANS, meeting via video conference on Friday 24 April, were told there are no ‘showstopper’ issues preventing the construction of a fixed link. Corran Ferry timetable. WAITING ON THE CORRAN FERRY A ferry good photo from the 1940s. A high level feasibility study into the construction of a bridge or tunnel across the Corran Narrows in West Lochaber has concluded that a fixed link is a viable proposition from an engineering, planning and economic perspective that deserves more detailed examination and costing. This is a separate piece of work that will have a degree of overlap and will help ensure that the ferry service is sustainable until such time as a fixed link is built. Corran is Scotland's second busiest ferry route in terms of cars, after Gourock to Dunoon, carrying more than 250,000 vehicles and more than 500,000 passengers a year. I'm pretty confused by your question. The route crosses Loch Linnhe from Nether Lochaber to Ardgour, at the Corran Narrows, 9 miles (14 km) south of Fort William. Effective throughout 2020/21, summer & winter. Travellers must prove journey is essential - Patel. « Reply #48 on: February 22, 2020, 12:07:38 pm » Scalpay would have probably been abandoned if it wasn't for the bridge. Construction of a bridge or tunnel across the Corran Narrows in West Lochaber – replacing the long-established ferry service – is a viable proposition from an engineering, planning and economic perspective that deserves more detailed examination and costing. Corran Ferry Ardgour to Nether Lochaber. Please Vote ..... Current results % on display once you vote (The system will only allow you to vote once) Estimated construction costs of delivering this lifeline connection range from between £42m – £50m for the lowest cost bridge option through to £66m – £108million for a tunnel option. Due to the professionalism and competency of the ferry team, no harm was done to… Two of these are for a low-level bridge, two for a high-level bridge and one for a tunnel. CORRAN - ARDGOUR POLL New Bridge/Tunnel or keep the Ferry ? Residents can be assured we will all be pressing home our strong case for investment.”. Walk from our doorstep at the Corran Bunkhouse. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. The cheapest way to get from Bridge of Orchy (Station) to Corran costs only 87€, and the quickest way takes just 7¼ hours. Operated by Highland Council, the Corran Ferry is one of few remaining mainland vehicle ferries in Scotland. Project partners have shared the study with the team in Transport Scotland overseeing the Strategic Transport Projects Review for the Highlands and Islands area, highlighting the strong case for the proposal to be given all-inclusive consideration. Officers have just provided the following update on the Corran Ferry service, which is currently suspended following a breakdown with the steering. In the study conducted by transport consultants, Stantec, a total of 72 scenarios were examined including an option for a tunnel to the south of the ferry route; as well as routes for bridging the narrows. 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. The Corran came into service alongside the backup ferry on the route, the Maid of Glencoul. “This breakdown caused the ferry to briefly touch the rocks beside the Nether Lochaber slipway today at 12.36pm. At the same time it would reduce travel time and remove the need for travellers to pay ferry charges. Walk just after the Church of Scotland and take the Lochans’ Walk that goes in a semi-circle behind Ardgour. It's not possible to book the ferry in advance but there are regular crossings throughout the day. 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. CORRAN FERRY TIMETABLE. Description. I want to go over the Skye bridge - it's on my bucket list. EU demands UK-made AstraZeneca vaccine doses, Why I fought for - or against - Keystone XL, The homeless addict who became a professor, Why convicting Trump just got a lot harder, When your 'pandemic puppy' doesn't work out, Dave Grohl: 'I dreamt I was shot in the back', The comic in jail for jokes he didn't crack, A raccoon, pony and other White House pets. Construction of a bridge or tunnel across the Corran Narrows in West Lochaber - replacing the long-established ferry service - is a viable proposition from an engineering, planning and economic perspective that deserves more detailed examination and costing. This is the conclusion of a high level feasibility study jointly funded by, whether a fixed link across the Corran Narrows can feasibly be delivered, potential alignments and structural forms, an envelope of capital and maintenance costs, how this cost envelope compares to a long-term ferry-based solution, the scale of benefits associated with a fixed link, https://www.lochaberchamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Corran_Narrows_-_Tunnel_Lo-res_streaming.mp4, https://www.lochaberchamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Corran_Narrows_-_Alignment_Lo-res_streaming.mp4. Martin Johnson, interim director of strategy and regional economy at HIE, 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. People living in Fort William, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern and the Isle of Mull are among those who regularly use the ferry. Council 'tests' market about running ferry, Former Aussie mining engineer makes deep impression on Highland community with crofting accolade, Police identify 91-year-old man who died following crash in Nairn, Taking vaccine is the only way to get back to normal life, says Wick doctor, Etape Loch Ness postponed again amid Covid concerns, Burn's Suppers served up in Thurso and Castletown, Man rescued after a car was seen in the water at Nairn Harbour, Information about BBC links to other news sites, Biden to halt new drilling on federal lands. Who's behind the recent killings in Iraq? By way of background, funding was allocated by the three project partners (HITRANS, The Highland Council and HIE) in 2019/20 to help undertake an appraisal of transport connectivity across the Corran Narrows – currently linked by a Highland Council-operated ferry with the second highest volume of vehicles carried by a ferry service in Scotland. Highland Council, public transport organisation Hitrans and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are jointly funding the engineers' study. Capitol riots: Who has the FBI arrested so far? Significantly, the costs of a fixed link are not out of step with a continued ferry service, particularly when set against the range of benefits of a fixed link. Coronavirus COVID-19. Free Helpline 0300 303 1362 for advice on volunteering, or getting help with food, welfare or business support. Five potential routes for fixed links have been identified. 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 crossing takes around 5 minutes and is a great way to travel. I have checked the route using the Corran ferry on Google Earth and the route using the single-track road (A861) on the west side of Loch Linnhe. Holocaust Memorial Day 2021: 'It's sad when I sit there alone' VideoHolocaust Memorial Day 2021: 'It's sad when I sit there alone', The child environmentalist receiving death threats, EU demands UK-made AstraZeneca vaccine doses1, Gymnast's 'black excellence' routine goes viral2, Biden to halt new drilling on federal lands3, Juno actor Elliot Page to divorce Emma Portner4, Boy sentenced for racist coronavirus street attack5, Capitol riots: Who has the FBI arrested so far?6, Travellers must prove journey is essential - Patel7, Why convicting Trump just got a lot harder8, When your 'pandemic puppy' doesn't work out9, Dave Grohl: 'I dreamt I was shot in the back'10. but it gives you a few minutes peace as you await the ferry to return and to contemplate the great problems of life. We very much welcome this report from Stantec. Read about our approach to external linking. ‣recommend whether a ferry or fixed link is the most appropriate long-term option for the Corran crossing; or ‣engage with communities and stakeholders. Plans are being considered for a fixed link across Loch Linnhe from Nether Lochaber to Ardgour, on the west coast. Walk 300m north on the Ardgour side & admire the impressive views of Ben Nevis. VideoWho's behind the recent killings in Iraq? Who's behind the recent killings in Iraq? Separately, The Highland Council is progressing an outline business case which is focused on the immediate transport problems associated with the ferry service to ensure short to medium-term sustainability. Corran Ferry Regular daytime services at 30 minute intervals between Nether Lochaber and Ardgour. The Corran Ferry preparing to dock at Nether Lochaber. Find the travel option that best suits you. 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 that delivers for all communities in every part of Scotland and turn our hopes for a fixed link into reality. If you are going via the Skye Bridge, and are heading up the west coast (rather than the A9), you would go straight to Fort William, up to Invergarry on the A82 then the A87 to Kyle of Lochalsh.The Corran Ferry wouldn't enter into it at all. It is also used by visitors to the area. 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. Connel Ferry Bridge, once the longest cantilever railway bridge in Europe after the Forth Bridge, is situated 5 miles north-east of Oban at the entrance to Loch Etive, where strong currents and the tide race ruled out the placing of the bridge piers in mid-channel. Highland councillors meeting on Wednesday will be asked to agree that the final report of the study is submitted to Transport Scotland as soon as possible for consideration as part of long-term infrastructure planning. Read about our approach to external linking. Re: Corran ferry to be replaced by a bridge ? The study findings help to determine whether there is merit in considering fixed link options for the Corran Narrows further, either within the context of STPR2 or more generally. It provides focus for potential options going forward and will be extremely valuable in informing next steps.”, © Lochaber Chamber of Commerce | Registered in Scotland SC469407 | VAT Reg No. In moving the project forward, the project partners believe there would be significant benefit in developing a single, umbrella Strategic Business Case considering the comparative merits of ferry and fixed link-based solutions. Holocaust Memorial Day 2021: 'It's sad when I sit there alone' Video, Holocaust Memorial Day 2021: 'It's sad when I sit there alone', Gymnast's 'black excellence' routine goes viral, Juno actor Elliot Page to divorce Emma Portner, Boy sentenced for racist coronavirus street attack. I want to go over the Skye bridge - it's on my bucket list. Doing nothing is not an option. To support the work already completed by the Council, Stantec were commissioned to undertake on Outline Feasibility of Fixed Links across the Corran Narrows in late 2019 with the objective of establishing: 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. Three options for a fixed link remain on the table, namely the tunnel option; a bridge to be constructed along the existing ferry route and a bridge to be constructed along a central corridor, to the south of the ferry route. Who's behind the recent killings in Iraq? CONSTRUCTION of a bridge or tunnel to replace the long-established Corran Narrows ferry in Lochaber is a "viable proposition" that "deserves more detailed examination and costing", according to a new study. Thank you for signing up to The Press and Journal newsletter. These were set against the costs of enhancing the existing ferry provision. Engineers are exploring the feasibility of a fixed link at the Corran Narrows on Loch Linnhe in Lochaber. Somewhere between £42million and £108million would be the price tag for the construction of either a bridge or tunnel across the Corran Narrows to replace the long-established ferry service. © 2021 BBC. The Corran Ferry prepares to land at Ardgour. These estimates are beyond the resources of The Highland Council, who run the ferry service, and therefore Transport Scotland is to be approached to support the funding of the project, given its strategic importance to the Scottish economy and to meet the goals of the new National Transport Strategy. Cross the ferry by foot for free. Same ... level/height as sitting in your car - time to draw breath having just overtaken Stirling Moss & Nigel Mansel - ...heh! If you are going via the Skye Bridge, and are heading up the west coast (rather than the A9), you would go straight to Fort William, up to Invergarry on the A82 then the A87 to Kyle of Lochalsh.The Corran Ferry wouldn't enter into it at all. A study has confirmed the viability of building a fixed link over Scotland’s Corran Narrows and has found that a bridge would cost far less than a tunnel. This involves cost modelling of a replacement ferry vessel and comparing what a retention or a transfer of responsibilities model will look like over a 30-year period. Home our strong case for investment. ” car - time to draw breath having just overtaken Stirling Moss corran ferry bridge., helping you get to and from any location in the world remove the need for travellers to ferry. Beside the Nether Lochaber to Ardgour Sign up for our daily newsletter featuring the stories! ‣Recommend whether a ferry or fixed link at the Corran Narrows on Loch Linnhe in Lochaber level/height... 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