TRAFFIC is set to be diverted on to the Old Military Road during construction of the Rest and Be Thankful debris shelter – with officials admitting it could take years.

A report to go before Argyll and Bute Council has given details of a briefing provided to a council policy lead by Transport Scotland last month.

Further upgrades to the Old Military Road, which runs alongside the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful, are reported as being progressed, to provide two-way traffic for “much of the length”.

The report will be considered by the full council at its meeting on Thursday, September 26.

Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “A briefing session was provided for the policy lead for roads, transport and amenity (Councillor John Armour, SNP, South Kintyre) on Thursday, August 29 by Transport Scotland’s project team and their consultants.

“The purpose of this briefing was to provide an updated position regarding progress and timescales, where known, for both the medium and long-term works.

“At the briefing it was confirmed that further upgrades to the Old Military Road (OMR) are being progressed. These works will provide two-way traffic along the OMR other that at the northwest end of the OMR where the road climbs up to the car park.

“This section is expected to continue to be operated under traffic management including a convoy system due to the gradient and alignment. However, the maximum waiting time will reduce due to the upgrade to two-way traffic for much of the length of the OMR.

“During construction of the debris flow shelter it is anticipated that all traffic will be diverted onto the OMR due to the complexity of the construction requirements.

“Whilst traffic is expected to be diverted onto the OMR for a significant period (years rather than months) to allow construction the actual duration will not be firmed up until a contractor is in place and programmes, method statements etc are completed.

“Transport Scotland confirmed that significant work had been carried out to ensure that a positive message of Argyll being open for business is conveyed by the media when traffic uses the OMR.”

Ms Flanagan added: “The policy lead enquired regarding the forest route on the western side of Glen Crow being upgraded as an alternative route during the construction of the permanent works. Transport Scotland confirmed that this route had been considered.

“However, due to the gradients and the susceptibility of landslide above and below the forest route, the route is not considered feasible to be progressed.

“Alternatively the OMR is being upgraded as detailed above to minimise delays in travel time and keep Argyll and Bute open for business.”

Meanwhile, council leader Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) also provided a brief update from his own point of view.

He said: “In July an announcement was made for ground investigation works, with the Scottish Government restating its commitment to delivery of a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the Rest.

“This council’s position is well-established – we want to see that permanent solution in place as soon as possible and, ideally, two-way traffic moving on the Rest while that progresses. News of significant investment in keeping Argyll and Bute connected and moving forward, and any actions and developments that help to progress that, are always welcome.

“We know that our communities will be watching closely to ensure that pace is maintained – with every aspect of life in Argyll and Bute depending on good connectivity through the Rest, the swiftest possible progress is absolutely vital.”