Project Details
BEAR Scotland has been commissioned by Transport Scotland to undertake maintenance works at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful (RaBT) embankment. The works comprise maintenance of existing landslide debris fencing, silt management, and bank stabilisation within watercourses at five locations with a total length of approximately 700m and a total working area of approximately 0.7ha.
The proposed works comprise the repair and maintenance of existing landslide barrier infrastructure, including replacement or repair of damaged netting, brake elements and cables, together with infilling behind plinth blocks. Additional activities include the removal of accumulated sediment and debris from watercourse channels, construction of concrete baffle walls within the Phase 1 and Phase 7 watercourses, and removal of loose material from identified embankment failure areas. To facilitate the works, minor vegetation clearance may be required.
Main plant will include excavators, drilling rig, tipper trucks, pick-up, breaker, hand tools and the use of helicopter (if required). It is not anticipated that the use of a helicopter is required at this stage, however this is subject to change.
The main material will consist of concrete, rock anchors, grout, petrol and diesel.
The works are currently programmed for delivery during Financial Year 2026/27, with construction anticipated to commence in September 2026 over up to 6 weeks by utilising a daytime working pattern (06:00 – 18:00). Changes in the programme may result in a change to the proposed working hours/commencement date.
The site compound, including welfare facilities, is established at the location and sits at National Grid Reference (NGR): NN 24089 06463. Traffic management (TM) measures will comprise single lane closure with two-way traffic lights and speed reduction to 30mph. The TM strategy will be in line with recommendations and guidance in the Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 (Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8). Access to junctions and private roads will be maintained where required. If the programme changes, this may result in amendment to the exact TM requirements.
Location
The scheme consists of five sections along the A83 in proximity to RaBT viewpoint in the Argyll and Bute Council administrative area (see Figure 1) at the following NGRs:
Location 1 (Phase 12) Start: NN 24194 06181; End: NN 24166 06253
Location 2 (Phase 2b) Start: NN 23886 06704; End: NN 23828 06780
Location 3 (Phase 7 and Phase 3) Start: NN 23733 06916; End: NN 23664 07004
Location 4 (Phase 4b) Start: NN 23637 07027; End: NN 23500 07178
Location 5 (Phase 14 + north area) Start: NN 23423 07274; End: NN 23216 07340