A83 Taskforce – Meeting Minutes – 29 September 2022

Attendees

• Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth MSP (MfT) – Scottish Parliament
• Steven Lamont (SL) – Assistant Private Secretary to Minister for Transport
• Jackie Baillie MSP (JB) – Scottish Parliament
• Rhoda Grant MSP (RG) – Scottish Parliament
• Kier Low (KL) – Scottish Parliament
• Cllr Robin Currie (RC) - Argyll & Bute Council
• Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson (IP) – Argyll & Bute Council
• Cllr Dougie Philand (DP) – Argyll & Bute Council
• Lawrence Shackman (LS) – Transport Scotland
• Gavin Dyet (GDy) – Transport Scotland
• Gordon Ramsay (GR) – Transport Scotland
• James Porteous (JP) – Transport Scotland
• Tanja Waaser (TW) – Transport Scotland
• Iain Adams (IA) – Atkins WSP Joint Venture
• Rory Gunn (RG) – Atkins WSP Joint Venture
• Duncan Hamilton (DH) – Atkins WSP Joint Venture
• Eddie Ross (ER) – BEAR Scotland
• Ged Mitchell (GM) – BEAR Scotland
• Mike Baxter (MB) – BEAR Scotland
• Steve Deykin (SD) – BEAR Scotland
• John Hair (JH) – Forestry and Land Scotland
• Alistair McLundie (AmcL) – Western Ferries
• Gavin Dick (GD) – Invararay Jail
• Gordon Watson (GW) – Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
• Iain Catterwell (IC) – Argyll Timber Transport Group
• Iain MacInnes (ImacI) – Lochgoil Community Council
• Jane MacLeod (JmacL)– Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce
• John Gurr (JG) – A83 Campaign Group Chair
• Kirsty Robb (KR) – Ridings Sawmills
• Martin Reid (MR) – Road Haulage Association
• Morag Goodfellow (MG) – Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Nicholas Sobey (NS) – Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Ranald Robertson (RR) – Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership
• Matthew Terras (MT) 
• Kirsty Watson (KS) – Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Apologies

• Donald Cameron MSP – Scottish Parliament
• Jenni Minto MSP – Scottish Parliament
• George Fiddes – Transport Scotland
• Jim Lynch – Argyll and Bute Council
• Pippa Milne – Argyll and Bute Council
• Jillian Brown – Argyll and Bute Council
• Cathy Craig – Wild about Argyll

Welcome extended to all attendees from the Minister for Transport

The Minister for Transport (MfT) welcomed all to the 22nd meeting of the A83 Taskforce and introduced herself as chair. MfT reiterated that the Scottish Government remains absolutely committed to helping to keep Argyll and Bute open for business and is very aware of the importance of the A83 trunk road to the communities and economy of the Argyll and Bute area.

MfT stated it is very clear that the Rest and Be Thankful requires an urgent solution which will bring certainty to the lives of those who are directly impacted when the A83 is cut off. MfT shares the need for urgency that communities and businesses are feeling, and that is why Scottish Government is progressing with measures for the short, medium and long term in tandem. MfT assured local residents and road users that the situation is being treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.

MfT recalled that she visited the Rest and Be Thankful in March 2022 with Transport Scotland officials and members of the campaign group which enabled her to see the situation first hand and the challenges associated with the area and this complex project.

MfT confirmed that the Scottish Government has continued to invest in this key route and, since 2007, £87 million has been invested in the maintenance of the A83. This includes approximately £15 million at the Rest and Be Thankful on landslide mitigation and improvements to the local Old Military Road (OMR) diversion. During 2021 and 2022 progress has continued on further roadside catchpits and vital maintenance and safety schemes. MfT confirmed that Transport Scotland will provide members with an update on work undertaken since the last Taskforce meeting and to seek feedback on suggestions put to the Minister for future Taskforce meetings.

Actions from previous meeting

MfT discussed the outstanding actions from the previous Taskforce meeting:

• Action 1 – Jacobs Aecom to update online storymap.
  • The storymap has been updated. No further comment from Taskforce members. Action closed.
• Action 2 – BEAR Scotland to investigate possible amendments to signage at southern OMR junction.
  • BEAR Scotland confirmed enhanced directional signage is available for deployment during OMR operation at both southern and northern extents. No further comment from Taskforce members. Action closed.
• Action 3 – BEAR Scotland to investigate whether guidance can be given to convoy vehicle drivers to reduce risk of future accidents.
  • BEAR Scotland confirmed all Traffic Management operatives are provided with regular training and briefings to ensure the safe operation of any traffic management arrangement. No further comment from Taskforce members. Action closed.

There were no further comments from Taskforce members.

BEAR Scotland Update (Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland)

MfT invited Eddie Ross (ER) from Transport Scotland’s Operating Company, BEAR Scotland to provide an update on their short-term improvement works completed since the last Taskforce meeting.

ER introduced himself as the Operating Company Representative for BEAR Scotland North West and presented an update from BEAR Scotland (The PowerPoint presentation is included in Annex 1), which covered hillside monitoring, ongoing works and wider A83 / A82 works programme of improvements.

MfT invited questions from Taskforce members:

• John Gurr (JG) asked if there is a date to conclude discussions between BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland to remove the traffic lights at Glen Kinglas as they have been in place for six to eight weeks and the road is clear apart from the traffic lights? Can these lights be removed this week or next week?
  • ER responded that discussions are ongoing with Transport Scotland on the technical details of work and sourcing of materials which will allow the first phase of works to be completed to enable the removal of the traffic lights. The bund needs to be made safe before the lights can be removed.
  • JG asked if during periods of inactivity, can lights be temporarily removed until work continues?
  • ER advised that discussions are ongoing to check if the site is currently safe to remove traffic lights, even temporarily.
  • JG asked how long these discussion will take, and if an action can be taken to update Taskforce members.
  • Action – BEAR Scotland to confirm programme for discussions and removal of traffic lights.
  • ER accepted the action and reiterated BEAR Scotland’s desire to reopen the road to two way traffic as soon as possible.
    • POST MEETING NOTE: The works at A83 Glen Kinglas have faced significant challenges. The material being recycled from the nearby site at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful has been of a lower quality than had been anticipated, which has resulted in a shortfall of material. To date the re-use of the material has been maximized in achieving a section of bund and the foundations of a further section.
    • The work is being progressed specifically to utilise material from the Rest and be Thankful and with no further material available at present the site has been demobilised.
    • Technical discussions have recently taken place between BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland’s geotechnical advisors to secure a new source of material to complete the first phase of the bund. These discussions have now concluded, and a new source of material has been approved.
    • Arrangements for testing of the new source of material are currently being made, and once this has been completed, remobilisation of plant and equipment will commence in the coming weeks. Construction works are programmed to take 4 - 5 months, subject to weather conditions.
• Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson (IP) asked if the hillside above the Rest and Be Thankful had stabilised over the years or is it still active and potentially dangerous?
  • ER confirmed that monitoring is ongoing and that the significant movements observed in 2020 have reduced but have not stopped completely. When saturation levels increase following heavy rainfall events, movements do increase but the area is more stable than it was in 2020.
• IP asked if there are there any more pits to be constructed?
  • ER responded that investigations are being carried out on a number of further pits, and discussions are ongoing with Transport Scotland on the most appropriate action, taking cognisance of both the medium and long term solutions.
• Jane MacLeod (JmacL) asked if there will be a return to two way traffic on the A83 before the end of 2022?
  • ER advised that the current programme indicates that catchpit works will be complete by the end of this year and suggested early 2023 would be the earliest to expect the road to return to two way traffic. However, ER advised that this programme would be subject to delay from potential adverse weather events.
  • MfT asked to clarify if wet weather and safety concerns are the main driver for this potential delay?
  • ER confirmed that weather delays are to be expected at this time of year and works will stop due to safety concerns during heavy rainfall events.
• Iain MacInnes (ImacI) asked if the hillside monitoring will continue after the removal of the traffic lights?
  • ER confirmed that hillside monitoring will continue beyond the completion of the works.

Medium and Long Term Solution update (Gordon Ramsay, Transport Scotland)

MfT welcomed Gordon Ramsay (GR) to present an update on both medium and long term solutions, including the appointment of new technical consultants, Atkins WSP Joint Venture, which was announced recently, backed by a £25 million investment from Scottish Government.

MfT emphasised that proposals for the medium term solution will be announced by the end of the year, and a preferred route for the long term solution will be announced by Spring 2023. Transport Scotland’s new consultant has already mobilised and is fully focussed on delivering to these timescales.

GR presented an update on the medium and long term solutions (The PowerPoint presentation is included in Annex 2), which covered tasks such as seasonal environmental surveys, Preliminary Ground Investigations and introduced Atkins WSP Joint Venture as the new technical consultants for the scheme.

Duncan Hamilton (DH) introduced himself as the Contract Director for Atkins WSP Joint Venture, and introduced Rory Gunn and Iain Adams, key members of his team. DH highlighted that the team have experience working on projects of similar complexities to this project and have already carried out a visit to the area as well as having several meetings with Transport Scotland and Jacobs Aecom (the previous consultant) in order to progress work at pace. DH noted the urgency with this project and is committed to streamline the decision making process where possible.

MfT invited questions from Taskforce members:

• Iain MacInnes (ImacI) enquired if there will be any disruption to the B-class road entering into Lochgoilhead during construction of either the medium and long term options, as busses travel on this route on a daily basis?
  • GR confirmed that depending on which option is selected there will likely be changes to the layout of the B road and junction. Whilst some realignment works are likely, there will be conditions placed on the contractor to maintain access at all times during construction. Any road closures would be kept to a minimum; however, if necessary they would typically be planned to take place overnight to minimise disruption.
• Cllr Robin Currie (RC) asked if the medium term solution is announced at the end of this year, when will construction begin and when would the road open? Same question for the long term solution?
  • GR responded that with regards to the medium term solution, the answer will depend on which option is selected. All three options have varying complexities and construction timescales. OMR interventions could be open to traffic Summer 2024, single lane forestry track could open to traffic Autumn 2025 and the two lane offline option, which would require further design work could open Autumn 2026. Timescales also depend on procurement options.
  • RC asked whether the construction of the long term solution could be undertaken at the same time as the medium term solution?
  • GR answered that the announcement of the preferred route for the long term solution would signal the conclusion of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Stage 2 assessment. The long term solution would then be subject to a DMRB Stage 3 assessment, including an Environmental Impact Assessment, completion of the Statutory Process and procurement of a contractor before construction can begin. Yes, construction of the medium term solution could potentially be undertaken at the same time as the long term solution depending on which options are chosen.
• RC asked if the completion of the long term solution could still be 10 years away?
  • GR confirmed that Transport Scotland published a Preliminary Options Assessment in March 2021 advising that it anticipates construction of the long term solution to be 7-10 years from March 2021. GR added that investigations are ongoing to accelerate this programme.
• Cllr Dougie Philand (DP) asked if an indicative timeline for dates can be given? For example how long will procurement take? This would not be binding, but would assist the understanding of the process. 
  • Action - GR confirmed Transport Scotland would liaise with Atkins WSP Joint Venture to develop a high level project timeline.
• John Gurr (JG) requested that of the three medium term solution options, a convoy of any type is not a good medium term solution. The only viable medium term solution option available is the green route. Why can’t the green route be announced now?
  • GR responded that there is not yet a preferred route for the medium term solution; however, we are on track to announce proposals by the end of this year. Assessment of these options is ongoing. GR highlighted that each of the three medium term solution options have benefits and disbenefits. GR noted that the medium term green option has no landslide mitigation, a risk of landslides on the western slope of the glen, citing two minor slips which occurred towards the end of last year, and although not significant compared to the A83, they would have closed a road. Thus, monitoring systems would need to be installed and the road could still be closed due to landslides.
  • JG suggested no one outside of Transport Scotland and their associates would accept a convoy as a solution.
  • GR clarified that the single lane forestry track option was suggested by taskforce members, and the 40 minute convoy which would be likely with this option was not known before investigation works were carried out. Option assessment is complicated and pros and cons of each option need to be evaluated and balanced in full.
  • JG requested that when considering options, can a ban be put on convoy options?
  • GR responded that JG’s objection to a convoy operation will be noted but Transport Scotland cannot guarantee their exclusion.
• Iain MacInnes (IMacI) stated we’re no further forward than we were 10 years ago. IMacI suggested using the existing A83 as the short and medium term solution.
  • GR confirmed that for the medium term solution, the OMR Interventions option would implement upgrades to this road which would make it more resilient to landslides. GR confirmed that the A83 would remain open. The objective of the medium term solution is not to divert all traffic permanently, but is to be used as a diversion route during closures of the A83.

General Discussion

MfT opened the floor to Taskforce members for general discussion, but specifically to discuss the suggestions put to the Minister including increasing the Taskforce meeting frequency, appointment of an independent chair and potentially updating the terms of reference. MfT stated she remains committed to considering all feedback and notes the concerns of some Taskforce members and the will to push this project forward.

MfT suggested increasing the number of Taskforce meetings to three per year which would help in giving more meaningful updates on a regular basis.

In relation to an independent chair, MfT confirmed she is willing to continue to chair these meetings but if Taskforce members wish to appoint an independent chair, the chair will need to have knowledge of the design and delivery process of complex infrastructure projects and be well versed in facilitating meetings and workshops.

• Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson (IP) suggested that he’d like to see the meeting frequency increased to six meetings per year, and is happy for MfT to continue to chair meetings.
• RC was content to proceed with three Taskforce meetings per year and would like to see MfT continuing as chair.
  • MfT stated she is happy to continue chairing Taskforce meetings, but would like to note that if the frequency of meetings is increased beyond three, she may not be able to chair all of them due to other work commitments.
• Iain MacInnes (IMacI) would like to see MfT remain as chair.
• John Gurr (JG) confirmed he is happy for the Minister to chair and suggested if MfT is not able to chair more frequent Taskforce meetings, can there be a deputy appointed? JG stated he would like improved governance with the meetings including publishing agendas and presentations in advance and the meeting used for discussion rather than presentations. Minutes should also be published more timeously after the meeting concludes.
• Jackie Baillie MSP (JB) agreed that MfT should remain as chair but a deputy should be appointed to step in when she is unable to attend. Maybe another MSP? JB thought this may help with the running of the Taskforce.
  • MfT responded that further investigation will be required, it may need to be another Minister.
  • Action – MfT to speak to ministerial colleagues to identify a deputy chair, as may be required.
• Cllr Dougie Philand (DP) asked if taskforce members can be given the opportunity in advance to suggest agenda items for discussion?
  • MfT agreed and stated this is a fair request. Given the timeframe to bring forward proposals for the medium term solution by the end of this year, MfT specified that the next Taskforce meeting be held in person in Argyll in early 2023.
  • Action –Transport Scotland to arrange the next Taskforce meeting in person early 2023 and Taskforce members to submit proposed agenda items in advance.
• Lawrence Shackman (LS) stated that he is available and would be happy to deputise as chair if MfT is unavailable. LS also stated moving to face to face meetings would help.

Taskforce members agreed to increase the frequency of meetings to three per year and that these meetings will continue to be chaired by the MfT. MfT thanked all Taskforce members for participating in the meeting today, and confirmed that Transport Scotland will circulate meeting minutes in due course.

Annex 1 – BEAR Scotland Presentation

Slide 1 - Presentation Summary

• Continued Hillside Monitoring
• Ongoing Works
• Wider A83 / A82 works programme of improvements

Slide 2 - Hillside Update and Monitoring

Observations, Measurement and Management

• Expert weather forecasting data
• Site team observations on hillside condition and watercourse flows
• Hillside movement and monitoring data using on site surveys
• Ground saturation estimates
• Trunk road condition data
• Regular calls to support decision making

Slide 3 - A83 Operation since last Taskforce Meeting – 03 March 2022

• Route operated under Traffic Lights/ Convoy with limited use of OMR since the last Taskforce.
• Operational decision making occurs on a daily basis and close monitoring will continue once the ongoing works are complete
• A83 Rest and Be Thankful – Managing Trunk Road Operation

Slide 4 - Catch-pit Construction

• Construction of the catch-pit continues in a very challenging environment.
• Progress has been interrupted on several occasions due to hillside conditions which can require a short stand down period for the safety of the workforce.
• Further delays are expected but it is currently anticipated works will be complete towards the end of the year.
• Other associated works will be undertaken with removal of the centreline barrier, resurfacing the carriageway and upslope water course works all part of the push to  return the A83 to two way traffic.

Slide 5 - Hillside Update and Ongoing Works – Recent Images

Slide 6 - A83 Glen Kinglas Bund

The works at A83 Glen Kinglas have faced significant challenges to progress.

Recycled material from A83 Rest and Be Thankful has been of a lower quality than had been anticipated resulting in a shortfall of material..

The work is being progressed specifically to utilise material from the Rest and be Thankful and with no further material available at present the site has been demobilised.

Technical discussions are taking place between BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland’s geotechnical advisors to secure a new source of material to complete the first phase of the bund. When these discussions are concluded a decision will be made on the removal of the temporary traffic signals.

Slide 7 - Future Mitigation Plans – Rest and Be Thankful

• Tree planting has commenced on the hillside.
• Phase 1 to be completed in Dec 2022 (weather dependent).
• Phase 2 to commence in Nov 2022.
• Phase’s 3 & 4 to commence in 2023/2024.

Slide 8 - Planned Maintenance

A83

• Total A83 investment since March Taskforce ~ £2.79M
• £2.42M of further A83 investment planned for 2022/23, totalling £5.21M

A82

• Total A82 (Tyndrum to Balloch) investment since March Taskforce ~ £1.15M
• £1.47M of further A82 investment planned for 2022/23, totalling £2.62M

Annex 2 – Transport Scotland Presentation

Slide 1 - MTS and LTS Update

• Ongoing environmental surveys including:
  • UK Habitat Surveys & Ground Water Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem;
  • Bat surveys
  • Aquatic surveys
  • Badger (and other terrestrial mammals)
  • Landscape and visual photography
• These are essential surveys which will support further design development and inform future assessment in light of understanding the environmental baseline and constraints.
• Important to avoid missing seasonal windows for carrying out these surveys.

Slide 2 - Preliminary Ground Investigation

• Ongoing environmental surveys including
• UK Habitat Surveys & Ground Water Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem;
  • Bat surveys
  • Aquatic surveys
  • Badger (and other terrestrial mammals)
  • Landscape and visual photography
• These are essential surveys which will support further design development and inform future assessment in light of understanding the environmental baseline and constraints.
• Important to avoid missing seasonal windows for carrying out these surveys.

Slide 3 - MTS and LTS Solutions

Medium Term Solution ​

• Design and assessment work has been undertaken to date which will inform decision making. Still on target to bring forward proposals for a Medium Term Solution by the end of this year.​

Long Term Solution​

• Conceptual design drawing prepared for key structures within the route options.​
• Further constructability work progressed.​
• Further work on tunnels undertaken in relation to Geological design, Fire ventilation and escape design and portals/highway design.​
• Preparation of reports such as Environmental Baseline Report and Baseline Flood Study Report.

Slide 4 - New Technical Consultants

• Procurement competition concluded in August with Atkins WSP Joint Venture awarded the contract to take forward the next stages of the project.​
• Atkins WSP Joint Venture working closely with Jacobs Aecom on handover matters to ensure the project continues at pace.​
• We have had several meetings to date with our new technical consultants, with the emphasis on urgency for this project.