Please find below the latest update.
Please also click the following links for timelapse CCTV footage that demonstrates the current issues experienced. Scroll down for the second video which is timelapse photography on a loop to show the mass movements. These are hosted on Twitter but you do not need an account to view it. The movement shown is over the last few days.
A83 Stakeholder Update – 15:00 – 24 /11/2020
OLD MILITARY ROAD TO REMAIN CLOSED OVERNIGHT AND THROUGHOUT WEDNESDAY AS SAFETY PRECAUTION DUE TO STEADY MOVEMENT OF DEBRIS OBSERVED ON HILLSIDE ABOVE A83
- Debris has been observed to be slowly advancing down steep channel above A83 over several days
- No material has reached A83 however is building on slope
- All traffic being diverted between A82, A85 & A819 as a safety
The Old Military Road will remain closed overnight and throughout Wednesday as a safety precaution as a large area of material has been observed to be slowly advancing in the steep channel above the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful following a long period of heavy rain.
The material, which consists of soil, mud and large boulders, has been gradually moving down the steep slope with teams monitoring its progress using CCTV stations across the hillside as well as markers to observe any changes in position.
In recent days the movement of material has accelerated even during drier spells and there is concerns that further heavy rain could cause a sudden failure.
While minor movements on the hillside are frequently observed by geotechnical teams monitoring the Rest and Be Thankful, the scale of the material and gradual steady advancement of the debris in an area of deep soil is causing concern.
For safety, the OMR and A83 will remain closed overnight tonight (Tuesday) and throughout Wednesday while teams continue to monitor and observe the raft of material on the hillside.
All traffic will continue to be diverted between Tarbet and Inveraray via the A82, A85 and A819. BEAR Scotland have teams patrolling across the diversion route 24 hours a day to help with any issues and keep traffic flowing.
Ferries are also available between Dunoon and Gourock as an alternative route to the standard diversion.
Engineers have paused operations directly beneath the steep channel for safety, however are progressing with mitigation work elsewhere on the A83 when safe to do so.
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said: “Teams have been actively monitoring the hillside since August and in recent days have noticed a particular area which has been advancing down the steep channel formed during the major landslips in August and September.
“While no significant volume of material has reached the A83 yet we’re concerned that due to the saturated hillside and on going movement a sudden landslide of unprecedented scale could occur
“As a safety precaution the OMR and A83 will remain closed overnight tonight and throughout Wednesday while we monitor the material as it moves down the steep channel. Our teams will continue to patrol the route and assist with any issues to ensure traffic is kept moving.
“We very much appreciate the impacts being felt by local communities and business as a result of the ongoing situation on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. We are doing all we can to provide the public with the most up to date information and are doing what we believe is necessary to protect road users.
“We’ll continue to put safety first and do everything we can to address the ongoing situation at the Rest.”
Real-time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficsotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.
What alternative travel options are available at the Rest and Be Thankful when the A83 and Old Military Road are closed?
- Ferry provider Western Ferries can accommodate diverted traffic. Up to date information available at www.western-ferries.co.uk by phone 01369 704452 or email enquiries@western-ferries.co.uk.
- The standard diversion route from the closure points at Tarbet and Cairndow via Inveraray, outlined below, is normally detailed as being around 60 miles long. The actual additional journey length of the diversion depends on where people are coming from and travelling to. This varies from an additional 30 miles if travelling from Glasgow to South of Inveraray to an additional 60 miles if travelling from Glasgow to Lochgoilhead/Cowal area. Ferry options (detailed above) via Gourock to Dunoon offer a shorter alternative route to Lochgoilhead / Cowal area.
- The standard diversion route runs from the closure points at Tarbet to Cairndow, and is detailed below:
- A82/ A85 / A819: Westbound: Turn right onto the A82 at Tarbet and follow the road until Crianlarich – Turn left onto A82 and continue until Tyndrum – Turn left onto the A85 and continue until Dalmally – Turn left onto A819 and follow the road until Inveraray. Thereafter follow permanent signing. Distance: 58.8 miles.
- Eastbound: At Inveraray, turn left onto the A819 then follow the road until Dalmally – Turn right onto the A85 and continue until Tyndrum – Turn right onto the A82 and follow the road to Crianlarich – Turn right onto A82 and follow the road until Tarbet. Distance: 58.8 miles.