THE leader of Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed a "step in the right direction" by transport chiefs after it was revealed a permanent solution to the A83 landslip problems will be found by spring next year.

Scottish Government transport secretary Michael Matheson announced today that an appraisal of 11 options to improve the resilience of the trunk route at the Rest and Be Thankful is under way.

Mr Matheson confirmed an alternative route will be chosen by the end of March 2021 as part of phase one of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2).

 

Helensburgh Central Councillor Aileen Morton, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, greeted the news with cautious optimism following a meeting of the A83 Taskforce group on Thursday morning.

READ MORE: Helensburgh's MP says A83 tunnel idea 'must be serious option'

She said: "Our communities, along with the council, have lobbied the Scottish Government for over a decade asking them to find a permanent solution to the ongoing issues that affect our major trunk road.

"Whilst we are relieved there is now a recognised case for investment and a commitment to move away from temporary mitigation measures, we still need construction timescales and a date for the new route to open. It is simply not enough to talk about the options and agree a consultation phase.

"For years the closure of the A83 has seriously impacted our communities. The early signs are encouraging but we must see swift progress maintained until the new route is fully operational.”

The A83 has been blocked for four weeks after thousands of tonnes of debris swept onto the road during heavy rainfall on Tuesday, August 4.

Business owners in Arrochar have since complained that local trade is "dying" as a result of the continued closures, as well as a lack of clear instructions on diversion routes.

READ MORE: 'We're dying here': Arrochar B&B owner says business is suffering from A83 closure

Mr Matheson said: “I understand the frustration and disruption that landslips at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful bring for local communities and drivers.

“While our previous investment in catch pits has helped keep the road open for an estimated 48 days when it would otherwise have closed, I realise people are looking for a long-term solution to dealing with landslips at the site.

“I have instructed officials at Transport Scotland to accelerate our work to consider alternative infrastructure options for the A83.

“In the meantime, work will continue on the next catch pit and we will continue to consider further catch pits at the site. A new geotechnical survey of the hillside will also be carried out to build on the previous work that has been done.

“This work underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to continued work with key stakeholders to ensure that Argyll and Bute remains open for business.”

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