Shropshire Star

Specialist resources deployed to open A83 diversion overnight

The Old Military Road had opened for the first time since the landslips on Monday.

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A83 landslip

Specialist resources are being deployed overnight to avoid motorists facing a 60-mile reroute on the landslip-hit A83.

Traffic has been shut off from the Rest And Be Thankful since around 2,500 tonnes of debris reached catch-fences above the carriageway on Tuesday October 9.

Motorists were left with a 60-mile reroute, as the Old Military Road in Argyll and Bute was also affected by boulders which had fallen during the incident.

Officials opened the usual diversion on Monday until 6pm, but closed it overnight for safety reasons.

BEAR Scotland has now announced it will keep the route open, installing specialist lighting, stationing extra patrols and having a recovery vehicle on-site.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north west manager, said: “Teams have made good progress on-site with the installation of a new temporary debris-fence completed today next to the A83 carriageway, meaning there is sufficient protection overnight for motorists to continue using the Old Military Road.

“A thorough geotechnical assessment and a close look at the weather forecast overnight has meant we can safely keep the Old Military Road open overnight, helping to reduce disruption to road users in Argyll while the A83 carriageway is worked on.”

Workmen removing tonnes of material the from Old Military Road
Workmen removing tonnes of material the from Old Military Road (BEAR Scotland)

He added: “For safety, the route will be monitored for any change in weather conditions throughout the night as a precaution.

“We ask road users to please drive safely during the convoy through the Old Military Road and adhere to the speed limit which is in place for everyone’s safety.

“We’ll continue to do all we can to ensure the A83 opens as soon as it is safe to do so, and we thank the local community and motorists for their patience while we work to address the multiple landslips at the Rest And Be Thankful.”

Teams worked throughout Tuesday to install a temporary debris fence above the A83 carriageway to replace one which was heavily damaged, allowing the local diversion on the below road to open safely overnight.

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