Scottish government announces preferred option for A83 solution
5 June 2023The Scottish government has chosen a debris flow shelter, rather than an underground tunnel, as the preferred option to protect the A83 from landslides.
The debris flow shelter is the long-term solution for the A83 Rest and Be Thankful through the Glen Croe valley in Argyll and Bute, which is often closed by landslides.
The five options considered included a proposal for a 1.2km tunnel with a 52m viaduct. In March last year the Scottish government said it had consulted the Norwegian government on its experience in assessing and building tunnels.
An online exhibition allows the public to view and comment on the preferred option. The Transport Scotland project team and technical advisers will also attend public exhibitions from June 12-15 in Arrochar and Lochgilphead.
Minister for transport Kevin Stewart said identifying the preferred route was “a very important milestone in finding a solution to this long-standing problem”.
He invited feedback from the public and said work would continue on developing the proposal, including the detailed development and assessment of the preferred option along with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment, draft Road Orders and draft Compulsory Purchase Orders.
