Question reference: S6W-00550
- Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 8 June 2021
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 21 June 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government when work will begin on a new road to bypass the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
Answer
Development work began on a long term solution to the landslide risks at the A83 Rest and be Thankful last August and, on 18 March 2021, we announced a preferred corridor, along with potential route options within that corridor, for consultation.
As with other projects to improve the trunk road network, we will need to complete the necessary engineering and environmental assessments and statutory process to allow any land to be acquired before construction can commence.
We are also progressing work to look at a medium term resilient route through Glen Croe to include consideration of the Forestry Track, improvements to the Old Military Road and other options on land already owned by Scottish Ministers. Depending on the statutory consents required, that work will seek to develop a finalised proposal within 18 months.
We continue to explore methods to reduce the timescales to bring forward both the medium term and long term routes as soon as possible.