Annex 2 – Transport Scotland/AWJV Presentation

Slide 1 - Introduction

  • Access to Argyll and Bute (A83)
  • Scheme Update

Slide 2 - Permanent Solution

  • Permanent Solution

Slide 3 - Permanent Solution Update

  • Preferred Route Announced 02/06/23
  • Virtual Exhibitions 02/06/23 to 28/07/23:> 3600 views
  • In person Exhibitions 12th  to 15th June - Arrochar and Lochgilphead:> 220 attendees
  • Exhibition materials made available in Campbeltown Library
  • A83 Story map continues to be updated.

Slide 4 - Preferred Route Summary

The preferred route for the permanent, long-term solution at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful is the Brown Option and is shown on the following exhibition panels.

Key features

  • 2.4km of single carriageway improvements generally located on the existing A83.
  • 1,370m of debris flow shelter and catch pit.
  • 180m of protection wall and catch pit.
  • Improved junction with the B828 Glen Mhor local road.
  • Construction on the existing A83 will require temporary traffic management during construction, including diversion to the Old Military Road which will be upgraded as part of the medium-term solution (MTS). Further details of the MTS can be found on a later panel.

Key benefits

  • Improved resilience and operational safety of the trunk road network by reducing the impact of disruption for travel to, from and between Argyll and Bute and the Central Belt of Scotland.
  • The greatest potential to be delivered quickly.
  • Most favourable performance across a broad range of environmental criteria, including; cultural heritage, visual, population and human health, climate and materials and waste.
  • The greatest opportunity to encourage sustainable travel.

The preferred route will be subject to further design and development as the scheme progresses, with particular focus on minimising disruption to road users during construction. Environmental mitigation and sustainable travel facilities, which will include bus and active travel, will also be incorporated into the scheme design as part of the DMRB Stafe 3 assessment.

Animated drawing showing the preferred route looking southbound

Slide 5 - Preferred Route Plan

Map showing the preferred route plan, detailing where everything is

Slide 6 - Scheme Assessment Process

  • All Trunk Road projects follow the assessment process set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). This is considered standard good practice and used throughout the UK.
  • This three-stage assessment process considers engineering,  environment, traffic and economic criteria.
  • The DMRB Stage 1 assessment was completed in April 2021. The preferred route for the permanent, long-term solution was announced in Spring 2023.
  • The preferred route announcement marks the conclusion of the DMRB Stage 2 assessment process.
  • The next step is to progress the DMRB Stage 3 assessment of the preferred route, which is now underway.

Slide 7 - What Happens Next

Constructability Review of Options

  • Temporary works footprint and associated impacts
  • Safety of road users and construction workforce
  • Plant, materials, equipment, methods, sequencing and programme of operations
  • Interface and operation of A83 and OMR during construction

Slide 8 - Medium Term Solution

Medium Term Solution

Slide 9 - MTS - Preferred Route

  • On 23 December 2022 it was announced that the preferred option for a medium-term solution is improvements to the Old Military Road.
  • The purpose of the MTS is to deliver a safer, proportionate and more resilient diversion to the A83 is closed until the permanent long-term solution in place.
  • These interventions will be in place prior to the construction of the permanent solution to reduce the disruption to road users during the construction period.

Slide 10 - MTS Programme and Procurement

  • Currently developing a programme and procurement strategy to progress these works as quickly as possible.
  • Looking to progress a 3 phase approach:
    • Phase 1 – realign the OMR at the southern end at its junction with the A83 avoiding the area prone to flooding.
    • Phase 2 – landslide mitigation including bunds/debris fences as well as drainage improvements and discrete widening of bends.
    • Phase 3 – extend the length of road available for two way traffic
  • The above is dependent upon obtaining the necessary consents.

Slide 11 - Medium Term Solution Update

Map showing the Medium Term Solution update

Slide 12 - Medium Term Solution Update

Map showing the Medium Term Solution update

Slide 13 - Phase 1 Works

  • Ground Investigation Fieldwork Complete.
  • Detailed Design nearing completion.
  • Licensing (CAR) underway.
  • On track to start construction before the end of the year.

Slide 14 - Phase 2 and 3 Works

  • Currently working towards undertaking the tender for the Ground Investigation contract this year.
  • Looking to commence Phase 2/3 as quickly as possible, subject to obtaining appropriate consents.

Slide 15 - Closing slide

  • Thank you