STV NewsPlans have been submitted for a £30m upgrade to the Corran Ferry route.
The 400m crossing, which is described as the busiest single-vessel ferry route in Europe, sees 270,000 cars and 11,000 commercial vehicles a year.
Plans submitted by the Highland Council will see new slipways and facilities built ahead of the introduction of a new electric ferry.
The funding is made up of £20m from the UK Government through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal and £10m from Highland Council.
Up to £28m has also been confirmed by the Scottish Government allowing the project to proceed with plans for the electric vessel.
Currently, two ferries serve the route: the MV Corran, which is 23 years old and the relief vessel Maid of Glencoul, which is 49 years old.
The crossing has been hit with disruptions in recent years, with the age of the vessels meaning they have needed repairs.
Without the ferry, drivers are faced with a two-hour diversion through Fort William and around Loch Eil.
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