Milestone reached in development of Fort William Transport Plan
Issued in partnership with HITRANS
A major step forward has been taken in developing a long-awaited integrated transport plan (ITP) for Fort William with the appointment of consultants.
The need for upgrades in the town to ease traffic congestion and improve journey times on the A82 and A830 has been an issue for many years.
Congestion and its effect on journey times, which can be exacerbated by high seasonal volumes of traffic, are key concerns for people who live and work in Fort William and the surrounding area.
They include emergency services, with reports of staff being unable to reach work due to congestion, as well as delays to emergency vehicles accessing roads.
Local businesses have also stated that network constraints have affected decisions to expand.
Scotland’s second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) was published in December 2022 and recommended the development of an Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) for Fort William.
A comprehensive plan will establish a proposed package of interventions, priorities, direction, responsibilities, funding sources and process for change for the area.
It will be developed over the next 18 months by a partnership between AECOM and Stantec, two global infrastructure consulting companies.
A Client Delivery Group was established in January 2025 comprising HITRANS (as lead), with Transport Scotland and The Highland Council as well as Highlands and Islands Enterprise and FW2040, to help coordinate the project with a shared vision for the future of Fort William and Lochaber.
The project is being funded by Transport Scotland, HITRANS and The Highland Council.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee and a HITRANS Board Member, said: “This is a significant and long-overdue milestone for Fort William.
“The appointment of AECOM and Stantec to take forward the Integrated Transport Plan brings renewed momentum and a real opportunity to tackle the long-standing issues of congestion and connectivity that affect residents, businesses, and emergency services alike.
“By working in partnership and drawing on expert insight, we’re committed to delivering a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible transport system that meets the needs of our growing community.
“This plan is a key step in shaping a better future for Fort William and the wider Lochaber area.”
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: “Scotland’s Second Strategic Transport Project Review (STPR2) recommended a Fort William Integrated Transport Plan, and it’s great to see this important work getting underway.
“The plan will explore and develop a combination of measures to improve local connections, access and enhancing the sense of place for those who live, work and visit the area along with safety and improved journey time reliability on the A82 through Fort William.
“The plan will be an in-depth, multi-modal transport study that will respond to the current challenges and opportunities facing Fort William, whilst ensuring the development of robust proposals that meet current policy direction and support future investment decisions.”
Richie Fraser, Project Director at AECOM, said: “AECOM is proud to work in collaboration with Stantec and HITRANS to lead the delivery of an integrated transport plan to improve travel conditions for people living, working and visiting Fort William.
“As a global infrastructure leader, AECOM will bring our extensive transport planning expertise to the study and look forward to engaging with the community, from our Scotland offices.
“Ultimately, our aim is to support a more efficient, sustainable and accessible transport system that local people can be proud of, and one that will connect communities, support businesses, and unlock growth across the region.”
Emily Seaman, Director, Transport Planning, Stantec added: “Having worked closely and successfully with HITRANS on its Regional Transport Strategy, we’re incredibly proud to be appointed to support the Fort William Integrated Transport Plan alongside AECOM.
“We’ll be leveraging our extensive local knowledge and respected position in the area, as well as our industry leading global expertise, to deliver meaningful benefits for communities that will enhance both connectivity and the regional economy.”
The proposed study area borders Loch Eil, Loch Linnhe and along the corridors made by the Great Glen and Glen Nevis.
The River Lochy, Nevis and Loch Linnhe flood risk areas influence where development can occur and where travel connections are feasible. Similarly, the steep sides of the glens limit transport options.
The area is served by the A82 and A830 trunk roads, as well as railway lines to Glasgow and Mallaig.
It has an important port function and National Cycle Route 78 as well as other active travel links and serves as a West Highland hub for the coach network with services to Inverness, Glasgow, Oban, Skye and Ardnamurchan.
The proximity of local junctions and queuing associated with opposed right-turns on the A82 are thought to have contributed to specific localised issues.
When incidents occur, their impacts are compounded by the lack and length (up to 160 miles) of diversionary routes.