Preparatory works to realign the southern end of the temporary diversion route at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful started this week, writes Chris Tindall.
Transport Scotland said the works will pause for Christmas but they will restart in January with completion expected in Spring 2024.
The project sees the construction of a new connector road from the A83 to the southern end of the Old Military Road, improving the resilience of the temporary diversion route by relocating the connector road 100 metres north to a location less susceptible to flooding.
In the summer, the government announced that a mile-long, £470m ‘debris flow shelter’ along the A83 Rest and Be Thankful was the preferred long-term solution to protect vehicles from landslips and falling rocks in the Highlands.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish government remains committed to delivering a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
“There is a clear need for pace and urgency on delivering improvements to the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful for the communities and businesses who often feel the brunt of closure and the associated impacts that creates.
“The announcement in June of the preferred route option for the long-term solution was a significant confirmation of our commitment to improve the route.”
She added: “At the same time, we are progressing our plans to increase the resilience of the temporary diversion route along the Old Military Road until the long-term solution to the challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful is in place.
“The first phase of the work to get underway this week will realign the southern end of the route, reducing the risk of flooding.”
