Frankly, Highland travel is getting harder
Storm Frank is continuing to affect trunk roads in the North West of Scotland with yellow ‘Be Aware’ warnings in place for heavy rain until 6pm this evening issued by the Met Office.
BEAR Scotland is currently dealing with a number of incidents on routes due to the heavy rain and high winds brought in by the storm.
- A83 Rest and Be Thankful
The A83 remains closed at the Rest and Be Thankful after approximately 200 to 300 tonnes of material was been washed down the hillside onto the carriageway this morning. Approximately 71mm of rain fell in the area overnight with a further 5mm this afternoon causing debris to continue to flow down the slope. Two cars were caught in the wash-out and are currently being recovered but with no reported injuries.
The slip occurred just south of the B828 junction above the location of the 5 December slip. Geotechnical experts have estimated that the slip occurred some 200m above the carriageway and at least 100m above the location of the previous landslip on 5 December.
Geotechnical experts have experienced difficulty in fully assessing the slope above the A83 due to continuing poor weather conditions which has limited visibility and access to the slope. This assessment is a vital step in ensuring that the road is safe to reopen to the public. As the daylight is receding teams are retiring from the hillside and will reassess the condition of the slope at first light tomorrow morning.
The Old Military Road is on stand-by ready to be implemented as a local diversion however will not be opened until a full safety and geotechnical assessment can be completed from first light tomorrow morning.
The A83 remains open from the B828 junction heading westbound towards Inveraray allowing access to Lochgoilhead, Dunoon and Western Ferries.
What alternative travel options are available at the Rest and Be Thankful?
o Ferry services are available from Western Ferries with up to date information available at www.western-ferries.co.uk by phone 01369 704452 or email enquiries@western-ferries.co.uk
o Alternative diversion route A82/ A85 / A819: Westbound Turn right onto the A82 at Tarbet and follow the road until Crianlarich – Turn left onto A82 and continue until Tyndrum – Turn left onto the A85 and continue until Dalmally - Turn left onto A819 and follow the road until Inveraray. Thereafter follow permanent signing. Distance: 58.8 miles. Eastbound At Inveraray, turn left onto the A819 then follow the road until Dalmally – Turn right onto the A85 and continue until Tyndrum – Turn right onto the A82 and follow the road to Crianlarich – Turn right onto A82 and follow the road until Tarbet. Distance: 58.8 miles.
- A83 One mile north of Ardgartan
The A83 one mile north of Ardgartan has now been cleared of flooding and debris has now been removed.
- A84 Kilmahog to A85 Lochearnhead
This section has been fully closed due to flooding from the adjacent loch and river. BEAR operatives are on site to monitor the water levels.
- A85 Lochearnhead to Crieff
The road has opened between Comrie and Lochearnhead however areas of localised flooding remains with motorists advised to pass with caution. BEAR teams will remain on site to monitor for any further flooding.
- A85 East of Crianlarich
The A85 to the east of Crianlarich is now open after flood have receded from the carriageway. BEAR teams will remain on site to monitor for any further flooding.
- A85 Glen Ogle
The clear-up operation is underway to remove the 10 tonnes of debris spread over a short distance on the A85 north of Lochearnhead. The road remains open and passable with care at this location.
- A835 Garve
Teams have removed the 50 tonnes of debris from the carriageway following a landslip in the early hours of this morning. One lane remains closed on the A835 and temporary traffic lights are in place to allow teams from Network Rail to safely carry out repairs to the railway further up the slope which was affected during the landslip.
