ASH provided landscape design and management consultancy for the selection of a preferred route for the A830 at Arisaig
ASH was commissioned by The Highland Council to assist in the selection of a preferred route for the A830 (the road to the Isles) between Arisaig and Kinsadel (Morar). ASH provided landscape design and management consultancy services.
Key Tasks
Route options appraisal
Landscape and visual impact assessment
Landscape mitigation
Stakeholder consultation
Environmental monitoring during construction
What we did
The existing road was single track and generally followed the coast. Options for the new road considered the upgrading of the existing coastal route and a number of alternative inland routes all of which had environmental advantages and disadvantages, particularly in relation to ecological and landscape impacts on the coast, moorland and rugged hill landscapes.
The engineering requirements were to provide a two lane road with one metre hard strips and a three lane overtaking section. As a result of compromises between the engineering and environmental requirements, the preferred route ran between rock outcrops and moorland before tying into Morar bridge. The 30 metre rock cut required at Kinsadel was carefully designed such that the berms and embankments reflected local geological features.
Part of the road passes through the village of Arisaig. The landscape was designed to reflect the need for a 'Gateway' feature at Arisaig, traffic calming in the village, minimalist landscape treatments adjacent to open moorland and dense tree planting to the north of the site to reflect the Atlantic woodland in the surrounding upland landscape.
Work commenced on site in September 2001 and the new road has been in operation since Spring 2003.
Find out more
We’re always happy to answer your questions. If you’d like to find out more about the services we can offer for your project, you can email us on info@ashglasgow.com or call 0141 227 3388.
