Annex 2 – Transport Scotland/AWJV Presentation
Slide 1 - Introduction
Access to Argyll and Bute (A83)
Taskforce Update
Slide 2 - Ground investigations
Medium Term Solution Phase 1
Completed summer 2023
Medium Term Solution Phases 2/3
- Tender Competition commenced late 2023
- Groundworks commencing early Spring 2024
- Works predominantly below A83
Long term Solution
- Tender Competition commenced late 2023
- Groundworks commencing Spring 2024
- Works predominantly above A83
Slide 3 – Medium Term Solution
To deliver a safer, proportionate and more resilient diversion along the Old Military Road until the permanent long-term solution is in place.
Slide 4 – Recap on Phases
Phase 1 – realign the OMR at the southern end at its junction with the A83 avoiding the area prone to flooding.
Phase 2 – landslide mitigation including bunds/debris fences as well as drainage improvements and discrete widening of bends.
Phase 3 – extend the length of road available for two way traffic
Slide 5 – Phase 1 works
- Ground Investigation Fieldwork - Complete
- Detailed Design - Complete
- Construction preparatory works - commenced December 2023
- Target completion - Spring 2024
Slide 6 – Phase 2 Design Development
Relocating sections of catch fencing above the A83 provides the following benefits.
- Fencing above the A83 improves the resilience of the OMR, and the A83, in the medium term
- The total length of fencing needed may be reduced by up to 300m
- Has greater potential to be delivered quickly
- Fencing will also provide protection during construction of the permanent solution
Slide 7 – Phase 2 Design Development

- Rockfall/debris flow fencing in areas currently unprotected
- Earthwork bund within quarry
- Capacity and condition of existing fences under assessment
Slide 8 – Permanent Solution
Slide 9 – Permanent Solution Design Update

- Environmental baseline surveys and assessment
- Ground Investigation procurement
- UAV (Drone) topographical/photogrammetry survey
- Geotechnical modelling – debris and boulder
- Structural design
- Lighting
- Fire / Smoke modelling
- Operational aspects – consulting with BEAR and emergency services
- Viewpoint Car Park
Slide 10 – Viewpoint Car Park

Seeking Feedback from Task Force
- Tell us what you think about the existing car park
- What opportunities should be considered at the car park?
Slide 11 - Ongoing consultation
- Storymap – Regular Updates
- Public Drop-ins – Spring 2024
- Campbeltown
- Lochgilphead
- Lochgoilhead
- Arrochar
- Bi-Monthly Environmental Steering Group
- Emergency Services
- Task Force
Slide 12 – Communications
For Information Relating to the Medium and Long Term Solutions for the Rest and Be Thankful:
- Transport Scotland Access to Argyll and Bute (A83) (gov.scot)
- A83Story Map
For information relating to the operation of the Trunk Road Network (incl. A83):
- Traffic Scotland website
- BEAR Scotland website
- Police Scotland Facebookand Twitter (road closures)
- Stakeholder update emails issued by BEAR Scotland
For information relating to the local authority road network:
- Argyll and Bute Council