Rest and Be Thankful pass closed after slip sets off ‘tiltmeter’ alarms

By ALASTAIR DALTON
Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 00:12

A LANDSLIDE blackspot was closed yesterday for the second time in two months after up to 50 tonnes of debris slid down the hillside towards the road.

Engineers will today assess whether it is safe to re-open the Rest and Be Thankful pass on the A83 – the main route between Glasgow and Kintyre.

Yesterday’s landslip did not reach the road, but it triggered a precautionary closure of the pass for the first time.

The alert was triggered by new “tiltmeters” installed on the slope above the road which detect signs of movement.

Drivers are again being forced to take a 26-mile detour via Tyndrum and Dalmally to the north.

The incident, which followed heavy rain, is the fourth in five years – and comes five days after transport minister Keith Brown visited the site.

The road was closed for two days in December following a 120-tonne landslide and then kept shut overnight for a further 11 days in case of further rockfalls during darkness.

The Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland agency, which is responsible for the trunk road, said yesterday more than 2in of rain had fallen in the area in the past 24 hours.

A spokesman said: “[Road maintenance firm] TranServ engineers have reported a slip has occurred further up the hillside and that approximately 30 to 50 tonnes of material has slipped, but not reached the road.

“The road will remain closed overnight with a further inspection taking place at first light tomorrow to determine if the road can re-open.

“Our absolute priority is the safety of motorists. We appreciate their patience, as this matter is dealt with as a matter of urgency.”

Two weeks ago, Mr Brown announced £1 million for additional measures to mitigate future landslips. A study is under way into long-term options, such as upgrading a forest track to become a diversionary route.

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ELDee

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 07:32 PM

When that bit of road is closed, its is an extremely long detour. Come on guys get it sorted out and stop mucking about.

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Ron Greer

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 10:03 AM

How about the A83 being surrounded by hills covered in a protective tree cover including suckering species like Aspen and Grey Alder?

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