Work started today on improvements for the Old Military Road at the Rest and Be Thankful.
Transport Scotland say the single-track diversion route (below) needs to be improved to increase resilience for traffic on the A83 trunk road, which has been plagued by landslides for the last two decades.
Investigations are now taking place in a parcel of land between the Old Military Road (OMR) and the A83 immediately north of the existing diversion tie-in.
Work is expected to take around one week and will provide a detailed geotechnical understanding of the ground conditions, as part of the detailed design and construction of the first phase of the OMR improvements.
Last month Transport Scotland launched a consultation on £470m plans for a debris shelter on the trunk road’s current route through Glen Croe.
This was greeted with ‘disappointment’ by Argyll and Bute Council’s provost, as it would meaning the OMR being used for ‘significant periods’ during construction.
Read more: Fears over funding for £470m A83 project
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan said today: “The Scottish Government remains committed to a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
“The announcement in June of the preferred option was a significant confirmation of that commitment.
The consultation on this ends on July 28 and I would encourage anyone with an interest in the scheme to view the online exhibition and tell us what they think.
“At the same time, we are working hard to increase the resilience of the temporary diversion route along the Old Military Road (OMR), with construction beginning later this year on the first phase to realign its southern end. Meanwhile, design work is progressing on the long-term option.
“In advance of the construction work starting, these ground investigations will help determine the conditions of the terrain for this part of the temporary diversion route.
“The planned improvements of the OMR will increase resilience of the temporary diversion route by reducing the likelihood of landslides impacting the route.
“This will mean more certainty for locals and road users if the A83 has to shut due to adverse weather conditions.”
The consultation for the new route is available online.
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