Tarbert: Concept Path Design
Client
Argyll and Bute Council
Sector
Active Travel / Travel Behaviour Change
Location
Tarbert, Scotland
Planning Authority
Argyll and Bute Council
Services Provided
Study Description
Following securing of funding by Argyll and Bute Council via Sustrans PfE programme, Connected Transport Planning was appointed as contract lead through competitive process to develop a Concept Path Design of a walking and cycling route improvement between Tarbert and Kennacraig. The study was competitively tendered with the key study outputs aligned to the Sustrans PfE published guidance. The contract supported only the PfE phase 1 stage (early investigation) and built on over 20 years of project history and six previous non-conclusive studies.
At over 9km long in length the study area was long, including over 93 individual landowners across multiple communities.
For the communities located within the study area, the route is critical to support future connectivity as the A83 trunk road does not include any infrastructure to support cycle and pedestrian movements.
Our Approach
Working with our supply chain of specialist engineers and landscape architects, we proactively sought to identify the barriers to sustainable design, focusing on behaviour change and seeking to understand the barriers and opportunities to promote everyday walking and cycling. We recognised the need for a joined-up approach and took the lead on study branding and identity design which was shared with all relevant parties.
We developed and deployed a wide range of supporting services not included within the original service offer to maximise community engagement. This included the use of bespoke apps, Virtual Engagement Hub and organising pop up events within the community and a innovative route video flythrough.
Through agreement we extended the route to include the community of Whitehouse within the study and subsequently had our service extended to include a proxy stage 2 (concept design) which would include a route design output that the community could engage with.
Key Successes
• ‘Art of the possible’ options exploring behaviour change challenges before concept network development.
• Proportionate approach to route design along sensitive rural location.
• Working with extensive number of landowners including initial engagement to determine support for the route.
• Incorporation of committed development design and cost optimisation.
• Deployment of bespoke engagement tools and processes.
• Preparation of video flythrough.
• Extension of the study to include stage 2 route design.
• Extension of the study area to include other communities.
• Liaison with Transport Scotland to agree design standard and route alignment.