The Scottish Government has announced that a debris flow shelter is the preferred option for the long-term solution to improve the resilience of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.
It follows design and assessment work on five options through the Glen Croe valley.
Transport Scotland said debris flow shelters are ‘akin to a tunnel with one open side and are a recognised means of protecting transport infrastructure and its users from falling rock and debris in areas susceptible to debris flows or landslides’, adding that they have been successfully used across Europe and beyond for many years.
Minister for transport Kevin Stewart said: ‘The Scottish Government has been working tirelessly to find a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
‘The identification of the preferred route option through the Glen Croe valley is a very important milestone in finding a solution to this long-standing problem. The proposed new debris flow shelter will help protect the road and road users from future landslides.
‘Work will now be taken forward at pace to further develop our proposals, including the detailed development and assessment of the preferred option along with the preparation of an environmental impact assessment, draft road orders and draft compulsory purchase orders.'
Mr Stewart added: ‘At the same time as progressing the long-term solution, we are looking to increase the resilience of the temporary diversion route along the existing Old Military Road, having identified the preferred route solution for it late last year.
‘The first phase of implementing the medium-term solution will begin later this year with realignment of the southern end of the route. This will increase resilience of the temporary diversion route by reducing the likelihood of closures due to flooding, meaning more certainty for locals and road users if the A83 has to shut due to adverse weather conditions.’
The Old Military Road with the A83 on the hillside to the left
