Work is underway to make a dangerous building, damaged by fire at the weekend, safe in Lochnell Street, Lochgilphead. For the protection of the public the Lochnell Street section of the A83 must remain closed while this work is carried out, and a diversion remains in place.
This complex structural work may take into the New Year to complete. The Council is working closely with ACHA (which owns 50% of the building and will take the lead to support owner occupiers), its contractors, and BEAR Scotland to ensure that work is completed as quickly and safely as possible to get the road fully re-opened.
In the meantime, a diversion is in place via Lorne Street, Union Street and Manse Brae. Full details are available on the Council’s website.
A diversion suitable for HGVs under 13’ 9” (4.2m) is available from A83 Inveraray via the A819, A85 to Oban and the A816 to A83 Lochgilphead.
Due to the sheer volume of water required to extinguish the fire on Sunday 14 December and flooding caused by ruptured water pipes, the water must now be pumped from the solum (the space under the floor of the building) into tankers to be disposed of safely.
Debris from inside the building will be removed and engineers are currently designing a propping and bracing system to ensure that the external walls of the fire-damaged flats, which could be in danger of an uncontrolled collapse from weaking of the structural integrity of the external walls caused by the fire. This weakening could be further compounded by vibrations from passing vehicles and that is why the building needs to be braced and propped.
The structural scaffolding and propping system will pass through the windows, from either elevation, and from the solum to the underside of the second floor ceiling, to support the weight of the roof and ensure no movement of the external walls.
ACHA will be organising the emergency works, and once the structural engineers are satisfied that the building is stable, the road can be re-opened. Further updates on progress with these works will be provided by ACHA and the Council will continue to assist them.
Residents from the building, their families, and the wider community are being supported by local agencies.
