New debris shelter for A38 Rest and Be Thankful route will cost £470m

A £470m, mile-long tunnel along the A83 Rest and Be Thankful in the Highlands is the preferred long-term solution to protect vehicles from landslips and falling rocks, the Scottish government has announced.

The ‘debris flow shelter’ will have one side open and, according to the government, is a recognised means of protecting transport infrastructure and its users in areas susceptible to debris flows or landslides.

Public exhibitions of the preferred route option through the Glen Croe valley are to be held for four days from 12 June in Arrochar and then Lochgilphead.

Transport Minister Kevin Stewart MSP 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.

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“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.”

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.”