Public updated on plans for improving the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful

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A series of public engagement events, starting today in Campbeltown, will let the public see the progress being made in developing a long-term solution (LTS) to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful. This will include updates on the work to design a debris flow shelter to help protect the road and road users from future landslides and our plans for the car park/viewpoint.

The events will also provide updates on the work to deliver a medium-term solution (MTS) along the Old Military Road (OMR) until the LTS is in place.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:

“The Scottish Government is steadfast in its commitment to delivering a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.

“The announcement last June of the preferred route option for the long-term solution was a significant confirmation of our commitment to improve the route. The design work for this is being progressed at pace with a view to publishing draft Orders by the end of this year.

“At the same time, we are progressing our plans to increase the resilience of the temporary diversion route along the Old Military Road. The first phase of the work to realign the southern end of this route, reducing the risk of flooding, is well underway and expected to be complete this spring.

“These public engagement events starting today in Campbeltown will update local communities and road users on progress including the emerging design of the Debris Flow Shelter for the long-term solution, proposals for the car park at the Rest and Be Thankful and how we will take forward the next phases of the work to improve the Old Military Road.

“A virtual exhibition is also now live for those unable to attend the public events.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in this work to attend one of the events or view our plans online and give us their views.

"All of this underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to keep people informed of the work underway and also to work with key stakeholders and local communities to ensure that Argyll and Bute remains open for business.”