HITRANS Corran fixed link study
Short to medium term
The Corran Ferry Infrastructure and Vessel Replacement Project is essential to maintaining the reliability, capacity, and sustainability of the Corran Ferry service in the short to medium term. Without this investment, the future of the service is at risk.
Importantly, the ferry upgrade plans do not conflict with aspirations for a future fixed link (such as a bridge or tunnel). Ferries will remain a vital transport solution until any fixed link is constructed.
Investing in new shoreside infrastructure and a replacement electric vessel will ensure the continued operation of a resilient and sustainable ferry service, which is crucial to the economic viability of the Ardgour peninsula, Lochaber, and Mull communities.
Longer term
In parallel with developing the business case for ferry replacement, we are also progressing a longer-term strategy for a fixed link across the Corran Narrows.
The Corran Narrows Fixed Link Feasibility Study (Stantec, 2019) explored a range of potential options - including bridge and tunnel solutions - and provided initial cost estimates.
As of June 2024, the HITRANS report has updated these cost estimates. This update serves two purposes:
- to provide a basis for comparison with the ferry replacement option
- o inform long-term investment planning decisions
This dual-track approach ensures that both short-term service continuity and long-term connectivity improvements are being considered in a coordinated and strategic way.