THE DRAFT plans for the Scottish Government’s long term solution for the Rest and be Thankful went on public display in Dunoon this week.
The exhibition on Monday afternoon in the Queen’s Hall provided the public with an opportunity to mull over the details of the project, which include a debris flow shelter and further improvements to the Old Military Road.
Environmental impact assessments and compulsory purchase orders were also on display and a number of technical advisors were present to answer any questions about the plans.
The Rest and Be Thankful has been plagued with landslides over the past few decades and as a consequence the stretch of road has become synonymous with travel disruption, delays and closures.
The £470M scheme, when completed will include a 1.4 km long debris flow shelter and catch pit, drainage works, upgrades to the Rest and Be Thankful car park and view point and a new active travel link from the car park along the B828.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “We completed the first phase of improvements to the Old Military Road, realigning the southern end of the route, earlier this year
and expect the next phase, consisting of debris flow fencing, to get underway in 2025. Further phases of improvements to be taken forward include widening of 1.4 km of the existing single track road, widening of three sharp bends, a new two way bridge over the Croe Water and improved drainage and new culverts along the route as well as landslide mitigation measures.
“When these works are completed, it will increase the resilience of the temporary diversion route by reducing the likelihood of landslides impacting it. These improvements will mean more certainty for locals and road users if the A83 has to shut due to adverse weather conditions.
She added: “I would encourage anyone with
an interest in the work to improve the A83 to visit the public exhibitions in January or view the online virtual exhibition to find out more information. All of this underlines our commitment to work with local communities and key
stakeholders to ensure that Argyll & Bute remains open for business.”
Material for both the medium and long-term solutions for the Rest and Be Thankful are available online at pinpointcloud.co.uk/ A83restandbethankful.
