Transport Scotland has initiated a £5.5M contract for ground investigations to bolster the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
- The A83 trunk road is vital for connectivity in Argyll and Bute, prone to landslips causing frequent closures.
- A long-term ‘debris flow shelter’ is proposed to protect the A83 from falling rocks and debris.
- An extensive ground investigation will commence next month, aimed at informing road design and enhancing resilience.
- Scottish government affirms commitment to upgrading diversionary routes, ensuring sustainable connectivity.
Transport Scotland has undertaken a significant step towards securing the future of the A83 Rest and Be Thankful by awarding a £5.5M ground investigation contract. This development marks an essential phase in enhancing the road’s resilience, which is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted access for communities and businesses in Argyll and Bute.
The A83, located approximately 64km northwest of Glasgow, frequently suffers from landslips, necessitating closures and rerouting traffic onto the Old Military Road. This diversion affects local travel, underlining the urgency for a long-term solution.
The preferred plan involves constructing a 1.4km ‘debris flow shelter’ over the road, designed to prevent geological material from obstructing the carriageway. This proposal is in the advanced design stages, with ground investigations set to start imminently, guided by the design manual for roads and bridges.
Anticipated to last around 16 weeks, the ground investigation process is subject to weather conditions and aims to gather crucial data to inform the development and evaluation of proposed solutions. Design work for the shelter is projected to extend over 18 months to two years, during which the gathered insights will be integral.
According to a Freedom of Information request, Transport Scotland allocated over £11M for landslide clearance along the A83 from 2014. In a mere nine months during 2023, contractors removed 9,500 tonnes of debris, demonstrating the persistent nature of this challenge.
Scottish cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, emphasised the government’s determination to mitigate landslip threats. She noted that the selection of a preferred route for the long-term solution in June underscored their resolve to enhance this crucial route.
As part of the resilience initiative, enhancements to the Old Military Road, including flood risk reduction efforts, have already been launched. The first phase saw realignment at the southern end to counteract flooding, culminating in the completion of a new link road.
Future construction works on the Old Military Road are under consideration, contingent on obtaining requisite consents. These efforts aim to fortify the temporary diversion against potential landslides, thereby assuring road users of reliable alternatives during adverse weather events.
These strategic undertakings reflect the Scottish government’s commitment to collaborating with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring Argyll and Bute’s connectivity and economic viability remain robust.
The various measures represent a steadfast commitment to ensuring the A83 remains a reliable transport link for the region.
