Baillie calls for earlier action at Rest and Be Thankful

Earlier action for the A83 at the Rest and be Thankful has been demanded by MSP Jackie Baillie.

Documents released this month as part of a widespread consultation on Scotland’s roads outlined Access to Argyll as a priority for the Scottish Government.

But a final proposal on a medium-term solution to the closures on the Rest and Be Thankful will aim to be finalised by ‘later in 2022’.

Transport Scotland reported last September that a data-gathering phase in order to inform the best choice of specific route was under way and due to be concluded by the end of 2021.

The Scottish Government also confirmed in September that, as well as ongoing long-term work, investment would be made in the existing A83 in the short term by installing a debris cage and new culvert, building an additional catchpit, debris fencing and flood mitigation measures at the River Croe crossing.

The medium-term measures seek to involve consideration of the forestry track, improvements to the Old Military Road and other options on land already owned by Scottish Ministers.

The document published this month says: “Depending on the statutory consents required, that work will seek to develop a finalised proposal by later in 2022.”

But the Dumbarton constituency MSP said: “What is taking so long? Local people and commuters have been faced with countless closures on this dangerous route which can lead to a 50-mile diversion.

“This has been a flashpoint for several years and the communities in Argyll & Bute are suffering because of the closures at the Rest and Be Thankful. The cost to the economy is already well documented.

“To learn that an action plan for a medium-term solution won’t even be available until later this year is disappointing.

“The Scottish Government claim to want to make a difference to our roads, but if they can’t even get this badly-needed urgent project off the ground, what hope is there for any other recommendations in the Strategic Transport Review?

“It is also really frustrating to learn that there is no specific planning for the A82 within this review.

“This is a huge missed opportunity for a stretch of road which is dangerous and constantly dogged with problems due to the volume of traffic, leaving local people in Balloch, Helensburgh and Lomond stranded.”