Rest and Be Thankful: New £470m road shelter plan unveiled for landslip-prone A83

A long-term solution has been unveiled for one of Scotland’s most notorious roads.

A debris flow shelter is to be developed for the landslip-prone A83 at Rest and Be Thankful, the major artery road connecting the west of the country with the Highlands, at a cost of up to £470m.

It will cover a length of approximately 1.4km and is designed to protect road users and infrastructure from falling rock and debris.

Akin to a tunnel with one open side, they have been successfully used across Europe and beyond for several years.

The solution follows design and assessment work on five options through the Glen Croe valley.

Debris flow shelter planned for A83 Rest and Be Thankful Transport Scotland

An online exhibition has gone live today 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.

Minister for transport Kevin Stewart MSP said: “The Scottish Government has been working tirelessly to find a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.

“The identification of the preferred route option through the Glen Croe valley is a very important milestone in finding a solution to this long-standing problem. The proposed new debris flow shelter will help protect the road and road users from future landslides.

“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.

“Work will now be taken forward at pace to further develop our proposals, including the detailed development and assessment of the preferred option along with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment, draft Road Orders and draft Compulsory Purchase Orders.

“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.

“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, meaning more certainty for locals and road users if the A83 has to shut due to adverse weather conditions.

“I am looking forward to chairing the next meeting of the A83 Taskforce later in June and updating the members on progress.

“These developments underline the Scottish Government’s commitment to work with key stakeholders and local communities and ensure that Argyll & Bute remains open for business.”