BEAR Scotland update from Eddie Ross

FH invited Eddie Ross from Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland to provide an update on the work undertaken since the last Taskforce meeting.

ER talked through a presentation on the work BEAR Scotland are doing which covered the hillside monitoring regime, completed works in relation to the debris pit, watercourse realignment, carriageway resurfacing and tree planting by Forestry and Land Scotland. A copy of this presentation can be found in Annex 1.

FH invited questions from Taskforce members.

• RC noted there is anxiety for travellers at the Rest and Be Thankful and asked what would need to happen for the decision to be taken to divert traffic onto the OMR, i.e. what triggers the diversion of traffic onto the OMR and single track?

ER responded to say that there is a landslide management regime monitoring the hillside daily which considers rainfall, saturation and other factors. The landslide management plan and how decisions are taken is available on the BEAR Scotland website. ER noted there are six alert levels in total which led to various decisions with the focus being on safety.

FH asked if they were in an alert level at the moment?

ER confirmed that although the alert was between levels two and three, the current forecasting might require a level four which would consider diverting traffic onto the OMR. BEAR would wait to see if this is required. He added that this process has been going on for two years and is based on a system with back dated weather information and landslide records.

• JC asked if they would wait until the debris went into the pit before considering using the OMR?

ER confirmed that that would likely be too late. A lot more intelligence is available, and it is used to ensure the safety of road users.

• FM commented that it was good to recognise the investment in the road. However, there are pinch points at Inveraray and erosion at Furnace and that it would be good to see a plan as to how the lifeline route could be upgraded. He added that climate change has an increasing impact on journey times because of weather and rural vegetation. FM noted that vegetation has grown which limits visibility and along with weather changes can lead to a lack of overtaking opportunities. Further investment would be welcomed.

ER noted that the annual road maintenance budget from Transport Scotland is split amongst various types of work including road resurfacing, drainage and landscaping and a programme was agreed and undertaken. There is an increased focus on climate change-related improvements and road safety.

• JG said that work had been delayed at Glen Kinglas and asked if it will commence soon?

ER confirmed that TS had asked BEAR Scotland to look at the aesthetic improvements there but noted no more substantial work will be undertaken at present.

FH stated that in relation to climate change operationally, the Transport Scotland Roads directorate has an interest across Scotland and considers what needs to be addressed.