Due to the forecast for heavy rain over the weekend, BEAR Scotland will be opening the Old Military Road, as a precaution, from 8pm on Friday 23 May to allow road users travelling along the A83 Rest and Be Thankful to continue their journeys safely.
Traffic is expected to return to the A83 trunk road by the morning of Tuesday 27 May.
A heavy band of rain is forecast to fall during this period. Use of this local diversion will protect road users and maintain traffic flow along the A83 corridor ensuring access to and from Argyll.
Euan Scott, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “The safety of road users is a top priority for BEAR Scotland and we closely monitor conditions at the Rest and Be Thankful on a daily basis.
“While the weather has been extremely dry and sunny in recent weeks, our decision to divert A83 traffic onto the Old Military Road is based on the incoming forecast for heavy rain, and our experience of previous events where landslides have occurred during the first heavy rain after extended periods of dry weather.
“Therefore, we’ve decided to use the Old Military Road as a proactive safety measure. The use of this route maintains access to the A83 corridor for the travelling public, keeping Argyll very much open for business with minimal delays of around 20 minutes.
“Subject to the weather improving, we plan to inspect the hillside thoroughly on Tuesday morning and this will inform a decision to return traffic to the A83.”
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland A83 Rest and Be Thankful and X @trafficscotland. Ferry options are also available, check www.western-ferries.co.uk.
Find more information on the traffic management process at the Rest and Be Thankful here.
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