Landslide-hit A83 at Rest and Be Thankful to fully reopen after month's worth of rain hit Argyll

The landslide-hit Rest and Be Thankful will reopen to all traffic on Wednesday afternoon after being closed for five days.

Following hillside inspections on October 11, BEAR Scotland confirmed that the A83 between Tarbet and Inveraray would reopen.

Since Saturday October 7, the section of the A83 has been closed to allow for an extensive clear-up of landslide material from the route at Glen Kinglas.

The Rest and be Thankful also suffered a small landslip following the deluge of rain.

Over 12,000 tonnes of debris were cleared from verges and drainage systems to allow the trunk road to re-open to traffic.

The road is now free of debris and safe for motorists to use.

Heavy and persistent rainfall on Friday evening and Saturday, which was associated with an amber weather warning, majorly impacted on trunk and local road networks, with significant disruption experienced across Argyll.

The area around the A83 saw a month’s worth of rainfall, around 160mm, fall over 36 hours.

Seven landslides reached the road, with the A83/A815 junction to the west end of Glen Kinglas badly affected.

Following the re-opening of the A83, BEAR Scotland teams will remain on site to monitor the areas affected by the landslides in the coming days, and will be supported by geotechnical engineers who will continue to inspect the affected sections of hillside in proximity to the A815 junction and within Glen Kinglas.

Regular inspections of the hillside at the Rest and be Thankful will also continue.

Argyll and Bute Council has confirmed that the A815 will reopen at 3pm.

The council added that the B828 will remain closed due to flood damage to the road.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West representative, said, “Our teams have worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to reopen the A83 to all traffic. We are very grateful to our colleagues and partners, as well as local residents for all your support and patience during this challenging time.”