A corridor via Glen Croe has been identified as Transport Scotland’s preferred solution for the problems on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.
The proposal, which was option one out of 11 in a public consultation in 2020, would see a route run adjacent to the existing road, which is frequently closed by landslides.
The preferred route has been described by Transport Scotland as ‘more cost effective and quicker to deliver, having significantly less environmental constraints’.
The A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful has been plagued by regular closures as a result of landslips and bad weather since October 2018.
Transport secretary Michael Matheson MSP said: ““Following the disruption caused by landslips at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful, I understand the frustration and disruption that these bring for local communities and road users.
“We are progressing substantial short-term investment in the existing A83 including installing a debris cage and new culvert, construction of an additional catchpit, debris fencing and flood mitigation measures at the River Croe crossing.
“I can also announce today that I have asked Transport Scotland to progress work to look at a medium-term resilient route through Glen Croe, including consideration of the Forestry Track, the Old Military Road and other options on land already owned by Scottish ministers.
“Depending on the statutory consents required, this work will seek to develop finalised proposals within 18 months.
“Along with this work on the existing A83, we are working in parallel to identify a permanent solution to the road at the Rest and Be Thankful.
“Following the conclusion of the preliminary assessment of the corridor options under consideration the preferred corridor has been identified as the Glen Croe corridor.
“Identifying the preferred route corridor is a major step forward for this vital work and we are now pushing forward to look at five alternative options within that online corridor and starting the process shortly to appoint design consultants for this work.
“Following substantial public feedback our future assessment work will place particular emphasis on the timescale to deliver these options.”
Mr Matheson added: “As I made clear at the [Scottish Parliament’s] rural economy and connectivity committee last week, I have asked Transport Scotland to accelerate the preparation and delivery of the scheme where possible given the importance of the route to local communities and road users.
“However, we are required to follow the correct statutory process to ensure a fair and transparent assessment of options and impacts on local communities and road users.
“From today the new ‘Story Map’ portal will provide regular updates on the design work as we look at alternative options within the preferred route corridor.
“We are also encouraging those with an interest to provide feedback on the preferred route corridor and possible route options between now and the end of May.
“All of this work underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to continued work with key stakeholders and local communities to ensure that Argyll and Bute remains open for business.”
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