'Safety concerns' spark overnight closure of both roads at the Rest and Be Thankful

BEAR Scotland announced just after 10pm on Wednesday that the closure was "due to safety concerns" and that a "further update will be issued after a daylight inspection".

The inspection this morning, Thursday, has since allowed the Old Miltary Road diversion to be opened up.

The road had been closed due to a concern over ongoing movement on the hillside.

BEAR Scotland said these movements were occurring despite relatively dry weather and geo-technical engineers were investigating the source of the water causing this.

The Old Military Road is being used as a short local diversion and will remain in use through into next week when there is a forecast of heavy rainfall.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s north west representative, said: “Underground water triggered a landslip on Sunday morning. 

"The safety measures on the hillside have been very effective in controlling the flow of debris over the course of the week.

“However, late yesterday evening [Wednesday September 18], operatives reported a concern over boulders within the debris flow.

“BEAR Scotland’s top priority is safety, therefore we took immediate action to divert traffic and then set up the Old Military Road diversion route from day break this morning.

“Our geotechnical engineers on site will continue their investigations into the source of the underground water in order to develop appropriate solutions.

"We will continue to take actions to ensure the safety of road users at all times.”