Transport Scotland has appointed Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical to undertake ground investigations to help identify a long-term solution for the landslide-prone A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.

Preliminary ground investigations are expected to get underway next month. These are part of the design work to identify a preferred route option for an alternative to the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.

Transport Scotland said this level of investment is required to carry out the necessary extensive early investigation to best inform the design process for the scheme. The costs reflect both the challenging landscape presented at the route and the range and nature of the options under consideration.

The preferred route corridor option was identified in March of last year. Designs for five alternative options within this corridor include tunnels, viaducts and embankments.

Scotland’s Transport Minister Graeme Dey said: “The ground investigations, which are part of the necessary baseline data that we are collecting, are expected to start next month and will help inform that design work as we look to identify a preferred route option next year,” Dey said.

“We recognise that the timescales for developing an alternative to the current route and finding a long term solution to the challenges created by the Rest and Be Thankful section of the A83 are frustrating for the local community. However, this scheme is technically challenging and the landscape is dynamic so it is vital we understand the terrain we are working in, in order to develop a suitable solution of the correct standard in the correct place.

“In recognition of the urgency to find a solution Transport Scotland is also progressing work to develop a medium term resilient route through Glen Croe while the long term solution is developed. We will bring forward proposals for this by late 2022. This work includes consideration of utilising the existing forestry track.”