BEAR Scotland, working on behalf of Transport Scotland, are set to carry out boulder removal works on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. Works will commence on Monday 27 October, with the aim being to remove the boulder at first light on Tuesday 28 October.

A geotechnical investigation has identified a boulder on the hillside that should be removed to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the A83 trunk road.

Traffic using the A83 on Monday 27 October will be diverted onto the Old Military Road at 6am, adding approximately 20 minutes to journey times. This is to allow a safe working area to be set up.

Work to remove the boulder will commence at first light on Tuesday 28 October. Given the complex nature of the works, and inherent safety risks, the A83 between the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint carpark and west of Ardgarten will be fully closed to protect the public from 6am on Tuesday 28 October. Unfortunately, amnesties or use of the Old Military Road will not be possible therefore traffic will be diverted onto the long diversion route via the A83, A82, A85 and A819. Western Ferries are an option from Gourock to Dunoon.

Upon successful removal of the boulder, a hillside inspection on the morning of Wednesday 29 October will inform a decision to return traffic to the Old Military Road or A83 trunk road.

Euan Scott, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said “We regret the inconvenience these works will cause.

“We do appreciate the impact use of the long diversion has on businesses, public transport and local people and it is always the last resort.  Unfortunately, the complexity of these works means that traffic will need to be diverted onto the long diversion route.

“However, the works are required to ensure the ongoing safety of road users and cannot be delayed through the winter period. Every effort will be made to complete the works and reopen the road as quickly as possible.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot or X @trafficscotland.