History of the Modern Road
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Following the great depression, national strikes and the other issues that so greatly affected the economy of the UK in the 1920s, a programme of national road building was instigated. In some areas, roads were already being started in 1928-9, but in Scotland things were a little slower to get underway. The A82 across Rannoch Moor was probably in planning when the thirties dawned, but it was not until 1931 that construction is recorded to have got under way, with the road opening to the public in 1932-3.
Unlike all previous routes across the moor, it seems that the 1930's rebuild did not start to the south. The modern route from Altnafeadh through to Loch Leven was constructed in 1929-30 and open before work started on the moor. The most likely explanation is that it was an easier job, and so progressed from plan to reality quicker. From Ballachulish Ferry, the onward route to Fort William was not completed until 1933, while the route to Oban has bridges dated 1939 along it.
Either way, work was underway in spring 1931, with the road taking a completely new alignment for the 10 miles from Bridge of Orchy to the Kingshouse Hotel and then roughly following Telford's route as far as the Coe Bridge near The Clachaig Inn.
Bridge over the Etive near Kingshouse. Click to enlarge
The road as built was a standard 1930s two-way single carriageway, perhaps as wide as 5.5m (18 ft). The bridges are certainly not much wider than this. Over the years with subsequent resurfacing and improvement projects, the width has grown in several places, slowly encroaching on the verges until the modern width of 7.3m (23 ft) has been reached in places. There is, however, little regularity in the width as can be seen by following a lorry along the road. In places the wheels meet the verge and centre lines, while in others there is space on either side.
Anyone living along the route will be aware of the current A82 upgrade campaign, and while this is focussing on the narrow twisty sections along Loch Lomond and Loch Linnhe, the aim is to provide a full 7.3m carriageway from the Balloch Roundabout on the edge of Glasgow to Inverness. This would include overtaking / climbing lanes at regular intervals across the moor and a major realignment of the hairpin just to the north of Bridge of Orchy. To date, the Scottish Government has only made vague promises to 'upgrade' the A82, with no details forthcoming. This page will be updated if any more news appears!
