Strategic Timber Transport Fund - second awards, November 06

 

1. Developing and promoting a timber transport strategy and solutions for the Highlands (until 31 March 2008)

Summary of project:

• to collect robust timber output information
• to develop and promote a mulit modal timber transport strategy for the Highlands
• to assess the 67 known problem areas and prioritise them for attention
• update the Agreed Routes Maps
• carry out a review of the haulage costs relating to traditional road haulage methods with potential low ground pressure alternatives.

Award: £43,333

Co-finance: HITRANS, Forestry Commission, the Highland Council and the Highland Timber Transport Group.

2. Dunoon timber haul route, Argyll

Summary of project:

To construct 5.6km of new in-forest road, and upgrade 3.8km of existing in-forest roads and build a new 8m span bridge to provide a new access/egress route for timber lorries.

This will provide an alternative to three current access points which link up with minor council roads in residential areas.  The new network will link three forest areas under different ownerships that are currently not linked. 

The project is a partnership between Forest Enterprise and private owners. 

This work will mean that some 423,300 cubic metres of timber to be harvested over the next 25 years will now not need to go through Dunoon.  Work will also be carried out on forest walks to provide tourism and local recreational benefits

Award: £324,034

Co-finance: provided by the forest owners.

3. Tarbert Bypass, Argyll

Summary of project:

• upgrade 2.5km of the B8024 in order to create a preferred timber haul route
• divert timber traffic from Tarbert town centre
• link to the previously upgraded South Knapdale Haul route. 

This will remove up to 100,000 tonnes per annum from Tarbert, or some 8,000 lorry movements per annum.  An additional benefit to hauliers is a slight speeding up of journey times when moving timber to Ardrishaig Pier for onward shipping to Ayrshire or Scandinavia.

Award: £600,000. 

Co-finance: Argyll and Bute Council.

4. Glen Massan B836 Link, Argyll

Summary of project:

Construction of 1.35 km of new forest road to link existing roads in the adjacent forests, and upgrading of 2.5 km of existing road to give a direct exit for timber from this privately timber onto the B836.  This removes circa 300,000 tonnes of timber from the minor, restricted, single class UC15 road, which is a very popular recreational route.#

The recreation potential will be further improved through opening up of a circular walkling/cycling route supplemented by picnic sites and viewpoints.

Award: £39,046

Co-finance: provided by forest owner.