A busy route running the length of Loch Ness may not have to close for upgrading work, according to the man behind the project.
Highland Council roads engineer Colin Ross said the authority would consider different traffic management plans after facing a backlash from residents and business managers over the B862 upgrade.
Speaking yesterday at a public exhibition at Stratherrick Hall in Garthleck, Mr Ross revealed the revised proposals might mean the road could stay open throughout the works.
However, one business owner who relies on the road for trade, said she wanted clarity.
Jane O’Donovan, who runs a self-catering holiday business at Garthleck, said: “I am still concerned and will be until we know for sure what will happen.
“What use is it if we are offering people somewhere to access the west Highlands but people possibly can’t even reach Fort Augustus?
“I’m glad they have waited to hear what people have to say before going ahead with their plans.”
The council announced intentions in March to shut the B862 at Loch Tarff and north of Whitebridge so it could be widened to allow vehicles to access planned wind farm developments.
However, it was forced to reconsider after businesses on the south shore of the loch said it would cost them dear as the summer tourism season picks up.
Andrew Fraser, who runs a building firm from Errogie, said: “There’s a lot of people rely on the road for business and for access.”
Mr Ross, Inverness area engineer for the council roads department, said: “It’s important that we talk over the options.
“Traffic management is obviously a major concern and it is something we are looking to work out with the public.
“There is the option that we may not need to close the road entirely and we are looking at ways of working on that, with different ways of managing the traffic.
“That’s something we will look at and get back to in future meetings.”
A further gathering will be organised in the coming weeks to discuss the findings from yesterday’s talks.