New images of the £470m debris shelter planned for the Rest and Be Thankful were released today as the latest consultation into the project got under way.
Transport Scotland’s preferred option for the A83 in Glen Croe, which has been plagued by landslides for decades, is to build a debris shelter on the trunk road’s current route.
During construction traffic would have to use the single-track Old Military Road (OMR) for extended periods, and work to improve that road as ‘a medium term solution’ is already under way.
Latest plans for the debris shelter, OMR and the viewpoint at the top of the Rest will be on show at events this week, as well as online – a ‘fly-through’ video is also available.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said the first phase of the work to realign the southern end of this OMR, reducing the risk of flooding, was ‘well underway’ and expected to be complete this spring.
There would then be two more phases of work –with bonds and debris fences being built before the section of road available for two-way traffic is lengthened.
“The Scottish Government is steadfast in its commitment to delivering a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful,” she added.
“The announcement last June of the preferred route option for the long-term solution was a significant confirmation of our commitment to improve the route.
“The design work for this is being progressed at pace with a view to publishing draft Orders by the end of this year.
“These public engagement events starting today in Campbeltown will update local communities and road users on progress including the emerging design of the debris flow shelter for the long-term solution, proposals for the car park at the Rest and Be Thankful and how we will take forward the next phases of the work to improve the Old Military Road.
“A virtual exhibition is also now live for those unable to attend the public events.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in this work to attend one of the events or view our plans online and give us their views.
“All of this underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to keep people informed of the work underway and also to work with key stakeholders and local communities to ensure that Argyll and Bute remains open for business.”
The public engagement events are:
- Monday March 18, 10am to 4pm – South Kintyre Development Trust Hall, 32 Kirk Street, Campbeltown, PA28 6BL
- Tuesday March 19, 12noon to 7pm – Lochgilphead Baptist Church, Union Street, Lochgilphead, PA31 8LP
- Wednesday March 20, 10am to 4pm – Lochgoilhead Village Hall, 8 Hall Road, Lochgoilhead, PA24 8AQ
- Thursday March 21, 10am to 4pm – Three Villages Hall, Shore Road, Arrochar, G83 7AB
A virtual exhibition room is available online for anyone unable to attend the in-person events.
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