Autumn BRIDE Guide Government slammed over ‘unacceptable’ A83 delay

Still no date for vital work on bend

THE SCOTTISH Government still cannot say when a vital road improvement scheme will begin – despite the fact work should have been completed last spring.

Yet another serious accident closed the A83 trunk road for more than six hours at the weekend when a biker was airlifted to hospital.

The crash is just the latest in a series of serious collisions at Strone Point, a notorious shore-side bend, many of which have sadly proved fatal.

In September last year, trunk road management firm BEAR Scotland described planned works to improve the bend as ‘long-awaited’.

The £1.16 million contract was awarded to a Dublin-based firm in early January.

At that point, the work was due to begin in November 2016 and take 24 weeks to complete.

When the Advertiser asked in June this year why the project had been delayed, Transport Scotland replied: ‘We are working with the contractor to agree an acceptable programme of work that minimises delays for people using the A83 and we expect their revised proposals in the coming weeks.’

Discussions

That was more than two months ago, but when the same question was asked earlier this week, a Transport Scotland spokesperson said: ‘Discussions with the contractor are on-going so that the Strone Point scheme can be carried out without closing the A83 – minimising disruption for road users.

Update

‘We hope to reach an agreement soon and will update the community as soon as this happens.’

This failed to satisfy Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell who said: ‘The accident on Saturday emphasises the urgency of getting the reconstruction of the road at Strone Point completed.

‘The current delay is unacceptable and I understand is due to a disagreement that originates with the contractor. I have already made that point to the Transport Minister and I am now ensuring he is aware action is needed now to get the contractors sorted out and the work done.’

Transport Scotland’s spokesperson added: ‘We appreciate the local community wants to see this work get under way and we appreciate its patience.’

Mid Argyll councillor Dougie Philand, a member of the A83 taskforce set up to advance improvements to the trunk road, said: ‘What needs to happen on this dangerous stretch of road before work gets started?

‘It is clearly not good enough and I will be writing once again to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf and to Michael Russell MSP to push for action.’