Client: Transport Scotland
Value: £2.91M
Engineer: AECOM
Completed: 2015
The project – part of the Great Glen Cycle Way / National Cycle Network 78 – was for the upgrading of canal towpaths and forestry roads along with sections of new construction and signing / marking of existing public roads to provide a 1.8m–2m wide, 102km long cycleway from Fort William to Inverness. It included 6km of rock scaling and tree clearance, the refurbishment of 5 no. bridge structures and the refurbishment of tunnels which included grouting existing voids behind the original tunnel lining. A tensioned Gabion wall system was constructed at the side of the cycle track at Loch Oich, using local stone, to protect cyclists from falling rock. Constructed over 6 weeks, access along the route was maintained throughout.
Key Issues:
• Close liaison with Scottish Natural Heritage to protect otters and bats
• Constructed with open ditches – rather than pipes – for minimal maintenance
• Completed on time and within budget
Principal Elements included:
Rock scaling / tree clearance 6km
Drains / culverts 80 no.
Signs / interpretative panels 425 no.
