Massive barrier plan for Old Military Road

A new temporary barrier is to be built next to the Old Military Road (OMR) to help provide fresh protection to the closure-hit route, writes Ellis Butcher.

The ‘bund’ will be 570 feet long and 19 feet tall and will be positioned next to the OMR at the foot of the vulnerable channel formed by landslips in August and September. The aim is to help protect the OMR from another major landslip and keep the vital diversion route open when bad weather hits the hillsides and shuts the A83.

BEAR Scotland said the barrier would be formed using a ‘modular system’ favoured by the military and will be largely backfilled with material from previous landslides.

The news was revealed at a meeting of stakeholders last Thursday, led by Michael Matheson MSP, the cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity.

He said: ‘I was delighted to have the opportunity today to discuss with local stakeholders and businesses our continuing work in delivering landslide mitigation measures at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful and the Old Military Road.

‘At this meeting, I announced that I have instructed our contractors to commence construction of a new 175m debris bund above the Old Military Road, with the aim of completing works before Christmas, weather permitting. This will provide greater resilience to the local diversion, helping to ensure continuity of access to the region.’

In addition, BEAR Scotland said a design team is continuing to assess the viability of the alternative route through Glen Croe with further information expected next week.

The OMR remains in use as a local diversion but has required teams reviewing the weather forecast and conditions daily.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north west representative said: ‘Installation of this new bund will give us the opportunity to use the local diversion route with greater confidence once it is complete later this month.’