Corran Ferry Update
Contractors working on a major refurbishment of the slipway at Nether Lochaber, which accommodates the Corran Ferry, have identified greater deterioration than was previously envisaged.
George Leslie Ltd have discovered significant voids below the slipway deck which are much greater than anticipated and that the erosion at the end of the slipway extends further under the slipway than previous investigations showed.
This information on the condition of the slipway could only have been highlighted following blast cleaning of concrete and piling and excavation into the slipway.
A Council spokesman said: “We are fortunate at this time to have the ferry operating onto the temporary floating pier and to have the contractor on site to carry out all the necessary repairs.”
The spokesman reported that the ferry operation on to the temporary barge is going smoothly and the ferrymen are becoming more comfortable with the new berthing arrangement.
Additional floodlighting has been installed on the barge and, from Monday until Saturday (30 October) the hours of operation for the ferry will be 8 am – 6 pm. This will include some hours of darkness which will permit trialling of the ferry operation under floodlighting. The following week after the clocks change to winter time it is planned to go onto a more extended hours of operation. From Monday 1 November providing the floodlighting trials are in order the operational hours will be 7 am – 7 pm and this will cover the commuter period.
The spokesman added: “Safety will still be a high priority in these trials and the public are advised to monitor the Council web site and the Variable Message Signs at the ferry for up to date information on this. In regard to the weight limit of 3 tonnes, this is still being examined but the current focus is on the extension of operational hours outwith daylight hours.”
The timetable for the next two weeks is as follows: -
Monday 18 October - Saturday 23 October: First sailing - Ardgour - 8 am; Last sailing - Nether Lochaber - 6 pm.
Sunday 24 October: First sailing - Ardgour 8:30 am (normal timetable). Last sailing - Nether Lochaber - 6 pm.
Monday 25 October – Saturday 30 October: First sailing – Ardgour - 8 am; Last sailing- Nether - Lochaber 6 pm.
Sunday 31 October: - First sailing – Ardgour - 8.30am (normal timetable); Last sailing - Nether Lochaber - 6pm.
Monday 1 November – Saturday 6 November: First sailing – Ardgour - 7.00am; Last sailing Nether Lochaber - 7pm (subject to successful completion of after dark running trials)