Landslide-prone A83 Rest and Be Thankful pass: Clear run for drivers after more than two years

Drivers on the busy A83 tourist route to Kintyre are to have a clear run through the landslide-prone Rest and Be Thankful pass for the first time for more than two years.

Temporary traffic lights and a lane closure in Glen Croe are due to be removed on Friday evening following completion of the latest stage of work to protect the road from being blocked by debris.

A lane closure with traffic lights has been in force on the A83, left, since February 2024 | John Devlin/The Scotsman

Lifting of the restrictions until September is aimed at reducing delays over the summer, with further work to resume in the autumn.

A series of landslides on the steep slopes have plagued the road for years, with more than £16 million being spent on protective measures so far.

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The lane beside the upper slope on the single carriageway has been closed to protect drivers during work to repair fencing to catch landslip debris, which has been finished.

That was prompted by movement being detected on the hillside, with an extra “catch fence” being installed, along with ground investigation work.

It will enable the road to be fully re-opened for the first time since February 2024, while monitoring for any further movement in the hillside continues.

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BEAR Scotland, which maintains the road for Transport Scotland, said further work would include landslide barrier maintenance, fencing improvements and slope stabilisation.

Michael Baxter, its north west improvements scheme manager, said: “Maintenance works, including the repair of several debris flow fences, at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful have progressed well and we’re pleased to be able to remove the traffic lights for the summer.

The A83, left, with the Old Military Road diversion route running parallel below it | John Devlin/The Scotsman

"With higher traffic levels expected over the busy tourist period, removing the traffic lights will help improve journey times on this key route.”

The move was welcomed by the Rest and Be Thankful Campaign. Chair John Gurr said: “This should make it easier and quicker for both residents and tourists to access the area at one of the busiest times of the year.

“The local economy across Argyll depends heavily on summer tourism, so improved journey times on the A83 will be warmly welcomed by local businesses, communities and visitors alike.”

Transport Scotland said detailed design work was continuing on longer-term measures to protect the road, including a mile-long debris flow shelter which is expected to cost at least £470 million.