(S3O-7791) A83 (Closure)

4. Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the consequences of the closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. (S3O-7791)

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change (Stewart Stevenson):





Following the recent landslide, considerable effort was made quickly to remove more than 1,000 tonnes of debris from the A83 and to clear the blocked culvert and ditches, so that the road could be reopened to traffic at the earliest opportunity. The road was reopened on 10 September, two days after the initial closure.

Jamie McGrigor: Does the minister recognise the anger and concern in my region that, less than two years after the previous landslide, the key artery into Argyll and Bute was again closed at exactly the same place? Does he understand the fear of people waiting at that traffic light below that mountain, where they are potentially in the path of a landslide? What specific action will the Scottish Government take to prevent future closures and tackle the long-term problem of potential landslides? Other European countries seem perfectly able to deal with that problem.

Stewart Stevenson: As the member is aware, the actions that were taken following the 2007 landslip were largely what led to the early closure of the road in advance of the recent slip, thus protecting public safety. I am very satisfied with the way that that happened and the readiness of Transport Scotland and its partners to respond quickly to clearing the road.

We intend that, in 2010, we will have in place a permanent solution to the problem at that part of the hill. The improvement scheme will involve building a new culvert under the road, strengthening the embankment below the road and installing new drainage above and below the road. We are conscious of the need to inspect the further landslip to ensure that our plans take account of the effect of that. We plan that construction will start in spring 2010.