Tunnel vision at Rest and Be Thankful

The Scottish Government has identified its long-term solution to landslips and closures on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful: a 1.4km tunnel open on one side called a "debris flow shelter", costing almost half a billion pounds.

 

The selection of the preferred option follows design and assessment work on five options through the Glen Croe valley, the Scottish Government's transport agency, Transport Scotland, said on June 2, adding: "Debris flow shelters are akin to a tunnel with one open side and are a recognised means of protecting transport infrastructure and its users from falling rock and debris in areas susceptible to debris flows or landslides. They have been successfully used across Europe and beyond for many years.

 

"attachment_477859" "aligncenter" "300"] A permanent alternative to the landslide-prone A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful is to be identified and built

 

"This option closely follows the alignment of the existing A83 Trunk Road for 2.4km from the Croe Water heading north to the Rest and Be Thankful car park and involves constructing a debris flow shelter over a length of approximately 1.4km with an additional 180 metres of catch pit and protection wall to protect the road and road users from future debris flow events.

 

"The current estimated cost of the preferred option is approximately £405 million - £470m (at 2023 prices).

 

"An online exhibition has gone live where the public can view and comment on the preferred route option. Public exhibitions will be held for four days from June 12 in Arrochar and then Lochgilphead where the Transport Scotland project team and technical advisors will be available to answer questions on the proposals for the route."

 

"attachment_137671" "aligncenter" "300"] The Rest and Be Thankful and Old Military Road.

 

Prior to his resignation today (June 6), Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart MSP said: “We want to hear from the public on our proposals and both the online exhibition and public exhibitions in two weeks are your opportunity to tell us what you think.

 

“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.

 

"attachment_368803" "aligncenter" "300"] Landslides often hit the A83 route at the Rest and Be Thankful. Photo: BEAR Scotland.

 

“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."

 

Mid Argyll councillor Dougie Philand (Ind) said: "It is welcome news that the Scottish Government have reaffirmed their commitment to funding a permanent solution for the Rest and be Thankful particularly during difficult fiscal times.

 

"My concern is that the idea of the debris shelter was brought up a number of years ago by the late Donald Clark, owner of the George Hotel, and the idea was dismissed.

 

"We now have to wait for environmental assessments, further development assessments road traffic orders and possible compulsory purchases which will mean that project will not commence for dear knows how long. Had the suggestion been taken forward a number of years ago when first muted I’m sure the project would be nearing completion by now.

 

"We await further information and particularly timelines when the project will actually start on the ground as a matter of urgency as the continued uncertainty of the road is clearly affecting the economic and social fabric of Argyll."

 

Details of the public exhibitions are:

 

The Three Villages Hall, Arrochar

 

Monday 12 June, noon to 7pm

 

Tuesday 13 June, 10am to 5pm

 

Lochgilphead Baptist Church Hall, Lochgilphead

 

Wednesday 14 June, noon to 7pm

 

Thursday 15 June, 10am to 5pm