Hauliers travelling through the Glen Croe valley in Scotland have been warned diversions will be in place on the A83 Rest and Be Thankful this summer as essential ground investigation work continues.
Traffic started being diverted onto the Old Military Road (OMR) between 8am and 6pm last week and will continue throughout May, June, July and August, enabling contractor Structural Soils to carry out detailed work in preparation for the long-term solution to landslips and flooding.
Transport Scotland said the works involve cranes, ancillary equipment and a large number of personnel to lift specialist drilling equipment on to the hillside.
During these works the cranes will be required to occupy the full width of the A83 carriageway.
It added that the closures are required during daylight hours to ensure the safety of the workforce which means the work cannot be done at night.
Gordon Ramsay, A83 project manager, Transport Scotland said:
“The Scottish government remains committed to delivering a permanent and resilient infrastructure solution to address the A83 Rest and Be Thankful landslip risks as a priority and as quickly as possible.
“Transport Scotland appreciates the frustration that traffic management, including diversions onto the OMR causes the local community, businesses and road users. As we carry out any works, we are committed to ensuring that Argyll and Bute remains open for business.
“These temporary diversions onto the OMR are key to maintaining safety for both road users and the workforce.
“We will work with the ground investigation contractor to complete the work as quickly as possible and to reduce the number of closures needed, if feasible. Transport Scotland would like to thank local communities and road users for their cooperation.
Ramsay added: “The long term solution, consisting of a 1.4km debris flow shelter, is technically challenging and the landscape is dynamic so it is vital to understand the terrain in order to develop a suitable solution of the correct standard in the correct place.”
