Argyll and Bute Council’s Lead Councillor for Transport and Infrastructure, John Semple, has welcomed news from Transport Scotland today (Thursday) of a major step forward in the project to provide an emergency route should the A83 Rest and Be Thankful be closed.

Transport Scotland confirmed a legal agreement has been signed with the private landowner allowing work to continue to bring an emergency diversionary route into operation along the old military road along the base of Glen Croe.

Councillor Semple said, “The A83 is a vital social and economic lifeline for Argyll and Bute. This announcement gives additional security to road users that a landslide at the Rest and Be Thankful will not frustrate their journey when the diversion complete.

“The establishment of an emergency route in times of closure has been key and the agreement with the landowner is a big step forward. The work to bring this short diversion back in to safe use is in excess of two million pounds, and includes work on three bridges.

“Let us not forget, though, the long term aim is to find a permanent solution to the landslides in this area, I look forward to seeing the proposals before the year is out .”

The A83 Rest and Be Thankful Taskforce was established by Transport Scotland in September 2012 to provide leadership and direction for the delivery of the A83 Rest and Be Thankful emergency diversion route and the wider study into permanent solutions.