Progressing plans for a permanent solution to the damage caused by landslip on the A816 at Bealach Mòr will improve the road's resilience against future severe weather events and keep communities and businesses connected.
The Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee considered a report on the progress made at October’s meeting.
The severe weather event on 7 October 2023 caused a landslip that deposited around 6,000 tonnes of material over a 200-metre section of the A816, closing the main route between Oban and Lochgilphead. This led to the construction of a temporary bypass to keep the area connected.
In 2025, the EDI Committee agreed to invest £1.1m in developing a business case to produce recommended options, a budget estimate and outline programme for delivering a permanent repair.
Detailed investigations have confirmed that widening the temporary bypass is not a safe long-term option. Complex and evolving geotechnical risks make that approach unviable. Instead, the Options Report identifies the preferred approach as a new, permanently realigned section of road, built to modern standards. The current estimated cost of the permanent construction works is estimated to be £7.25m–£8.5m with a total intervention estimate of around £14.8m.
The Business Case will include further development of the preferred solution and consideration of a Design and Build procurement approach. The development of the scheme will also be informed by the Environmental Impact Assessment, further ground investigation and planning requirements. Subject to the outcome of this work, the necessary planning, consents and other approvals, market test and funding being secured, the Council is currently targeting delivery of the permanent scheme between 2029 and 2032.
The project will deliver a safer and more reliable route for residents, businesses and visitors. It will improve the road's resilience to future severe weather and help reduce the risk of disruption on this important transport link and the wider economy.
In the meantime, the Council continues to maintain and monitor the route, while also improving traffic management arrangements to help keep road users moving safely through the area. This includes working with SSEN and the landowner to install a permanent power connection to reduce the vulnerabilities associated with the traffic lights.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads Transport and Amenity Services, said: “We are still fully committed to delivering a safe, resilient and long-term solution for the A816 at Bealach Mor. The progress being made through the Strategic Outline Business Case is a major step towards finding the best option for the future of this key transport corridor.
“We recognise the importance of the A816 to communities across Argyll and Bute and appreciate the patience and understanding shown by road users as we work towards a permanent route built to current standards will serve the area for decades to come.”
