BEAR Scotland response to Covid-19 outbreak26 Mar 2020

26.03.20

We are currently working in difficult and unprecedented times.  The safety of our employees and supply chain is always of paramount importance and we’re closely following Government advice in relation to our staff and our business.  This is changing on a daily basis, and we’re doing our utmost to adhere to any new advice as it emerges. 

At present all staff are working from home where possible. We have taken the decision to suspend operations, and are making safe various worksites this week following which only essential services such as our Incident Control Room, winter maintenance, emergency response and essential road safety operations will continue.  We’ve also taken steps to make our workplaces as safe as possible with strict protocols in place which limit contact and adhere to social distancing guidance.  

As noted, we are currently working to ensure that any ongoing non-essential road maintenance projects are paused and left in a manner which is safe for public use.  Any work which was scheduled to begin in the coming weeks will be reprogrammed, and stakeholders will be kept informed of any new dates.  

BEAR provides an essential service ensuring the trunk road network across the north of Scotland along with the A92 Dundee to Arbroath and the  M80 Stepps to Haggs are fit for the purpose of national resilience including delivery of food and medical supplies, as well as ensuring vital access for the use of the emergency services and critical workers.

We are working to support the Ministerial call for efforts to be focused on delivering critical services to safeguard our road network, helping to ensure that Scotland’s emergency services can still reach those most in need during this difficult time.

We will endeavour to provide updates to this situation as they arise.  In the meantime, please stay home and follow advice for keeping safe.

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BEAR Scotland awarded responsibility for South East Trunk Roads19 Mar 2020

BEAR Scotland, one of the leading integrated services providers in road maintenance, has now been confirmed by Transport Scotland as the Operating Company for the new Network Management Contract to manage and maintain Scotland’s South East Trunk Road Unit. 

The news means that BEAR takes responsibility for overseeing the 314 miles of trunk roads across the South East of Scotland from 16 August 2020 until at least 2028. For the first time the South East Unit includes the iconic Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge, which was previously a separate contract.

Iain Murray, Managing Director of BEAR Scotland said:

“We are delighted to have been appointed the trunk road operator for the South East Trunk Road network, which now includes the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridges.   Our long-standing experience in trunk road maintenance across Scotland will mean we can continue to deliver and develop a high-level service with a key focus on customer care for the people and organisations that rely on this strategic road network for years to come.”

As an operating company working for Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland is responsible for the inspection, management and maintenance of the trunk road assets to ensure the safety of all road users and stakeholders. In addition to major road and bridge maintenance work, BEAR Scotland will undertake winter service operations, provide an incident response service, as well other cyclic maintenance activities.

BEAR currently operates major-term maintenance contracts including the management and maintenance of the North West and North East trunk road units of behalf of Transport Scotland. It also manages the M80 Stepps to Haggs Project and the A92 Dundee to Arbroath Dualling. 

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Landslip cleared on A82 at Glencoe near Hidden Valley Car Park15 Feb 2020

Landslip cleared on A82 at Glencoe near Hidden Valley Car Park

• Layby remains closed as a precaution

 

The A82 has fully reopened after a small landslip which reached the carriageway near the Hidden Valley car park in Glencoe following heavy rain brought in by Storm Dennis. 

The landslip was reported around 1pm this afternoon with BEAR Scotland’s emergency team working to clear the material off the road using an excavator.  BEAR teams were also on site to help safely manage traffic past the area.  The road remained open under one lane throughout the incident. 

Geotechnical specialists have completed inspections of the area with the assistance of drone footage and considered the site safe to reopen.

As a precaution the Hidden Valley car park will remain closed overnight tonight (Saturday) and throughout the remainder of the weekend to avoid overnight campervan and long term parking.  The Three Sister Car Park, a larger car park located immediately east of the closed Hidden Valley car park, will remain open and walkers and caravan users are encouraged to use this car park as an alternative until the Hidden Valley carpark can be reopened. 

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said:  “Our teams and specialist contractors were quick to respond to this small landslip which reached the A82 following heavy rainfall and snowmelt this afternoon.  Following geotechnical inspections the road has reopened to both lanes however as a precaution the Hidden Valley carpark, close to where the landslip occurred, will remain closed for the rest of the weekend to deter long term parking and overnight camping until the storm passes. 

“We encourage people to use the carpark located just east of the closed Hidden Valley carpark as an alternative for the time being.

“Our teams remain on high alert and landslide patrols will continue throughout the evening as a further safety precaution.

“We advise all road users to drive to conditions and check Traffic Scotland for the latest info before they travel.”

 

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.  

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A83 Rest and Be Thankful30 Jan 2020

A83 REST AND BE THANKFUL

 

13:30pm, Saturday 1^st February 2020

The A83 Rest and Be Thankful has reopened under traffic signal control following a landslide on the 30^th of January.

BEAR Scotland has completed the removal of over 1300 tonnes of debris, reinstated drainage and installed a protective barrier. Forestry and Land Scotland have also undertaken work on the slope above the road, stabilising boulders and removing trees destabilised by the landslide.

BEAR Scotland’s Representative Eddie Ross said: “We are pleased to have reopened the A83 following the landslide. We have worked hand in hand with Forestry and Land Scotland, in some very challenging conditions, to remove the debris and stabilise the slope. Temporary traffic signals and a concrete barrier have been put in place as a precaution whilst further works are undertaken off-road. We’d like to thank the travelling public for their patience whilst the clearance work was undertaken.”

An update will be issued next week giving progress on the further off-road works.

What has happened at the Rest and Be Thankful?

 

• Over 86mm of rainfall fell in the local area in the two days before the landslip occurred.
• Around 3.00am on 30^th January – reports of approximately 1000 Tonnes of debris on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful – east of the normal area covered by debris fences and catchpits.
• The landslide appears to have been triggered by a slip in the forested area high above the road.
• The A83 re-opened via The Old Military Road at 11:00am on 30^th January after safety inspections by geotechnical specialists confirmed it was safe to do so.
• The Old Military Road (OMR) diversion route has operated under convoy to minimise disruption.

 

 

5pm, Friday 31st January 2020

 

The A83 Rest and Be Thankful will remain open overnight via the Old Military Road local diversion route under a convoy system.

 

The clear up operation has progressed well as teams continue to remove over 1000 tonnes of debris from the main A83 carriageway.

 

Works will continue into the weekend to complete the removal of debris, re-establish drainage and help stabilise the slope above the A83 and will continue to work hard to re-open the main carriageway as quickly as possible.

 

The Old Military Road continues to operate very well, minimising disruption and helping to ensure that Argyll remains open for business. 

 

What has happened at the Rest and Be Thankful?

 

• Over 86mm of rainfall fell in the local area in the two days before the landslip occurred.
• Around 3.00am on 30/1/20 – reports of approximately 1000 Tonnes of debris on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful – east of the normal area covered by debris fences and catchpits. 
• The landslide appears to have been triggered by a slip in the forested area high above the road.
• The A83 re-opened via The Old Military Road at 11:00am on 30^th January after safety inspections by geotechnical specialists confirmed it was safe to do so. 
• The Old Military Road (OMR) diversion route has operated under convoy to minimise disruption. 
• The clear up operation and slope stabilisation is currently well underway. 

 

 

What alternative travel options are available at the Rest and Be Thankful, other than the Old Military Road local diversion route? 

 

·     Ferry provider Western Ferries can also accommodate traffic.   Up to date information available at www.western-ferries.co.uk by phone 01369 704452 or email enquiries@western-ferries.co.uk

 

 

 

12noon, Friday 31st January 2020

The Old Military Road local diversion route continues to operate very well at the Rest and be Thankful, helping to ensure that Argyll remains open for business.

While teams continue to work hard to re-open the main carriageway as quickly and safely as possible, at this stage, our estimate is that the A83 will not reopen on Friday.

The clear up operation involves removing over 1000 tonnes of mud and debris as well as works to stabilise and make safe the slope above the A83.

The Old Military Road local diversion route will remain open overnight under a convoy system to help minimise disruption.

What has happened at the Rest and Be Thankful?

• Over 86mm of rainfall fell in the local area in the two days before the landslip occurred.
• Around 3.00am on 30/1/20 – reports of approximately 1000 Tonnes of debris on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful – east of the normal area covered by debris fences and catchpits.
• The landslide appears to have been triggered by a slip in the forested area high above the road.
• The A83 re-opened via The Old Military Road at 11:00am on 30^th January after safety inspections by geotechnical specialists confirmed it was safe to do so. 
• The Old Military Road (OMR) diversion route has operated under convoy to minimise disruption. 
• The clear up operation and slope stabilisation is currently well underway. 

What alternative travel options are available at the Rest and Be Thankful, other than the Old Military Road local diversion route?

 

·     Whilst the A83 remains open via the Old Military Road, ferry provider Western Ferries can also accommodate traffic.   Up to date information available at www.western-ferries.co.uk by phone 01369 704452 or email enquiries@western-ferries.co.uk

  

2.30pm, Thursday 30th January 2020

The A83 Rest and Be Thankful will remain open 24/7 via The Old Military Road (OMR) local diversion route subject to weather conditions.

The OMR was opened to traffic at 11am today after a landslip occurred above the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.

Over 1000 tonnes of debris reached the carriageway closing the A83 in both directions at 3am this morning. The 24/7 operation of the OMR diversion route will ensure Argyll remains open for business.

The clear up operation has commenced and will continue into Friday. An update will be provided tomorrow on the expected timescale for clearing the debris.

What has happened at the Rest and Be Thankful?

• The Old Military Road (OMR) diversion route will remain open 24/7. 
• The A83 has now opened via The Old Military Road after safety inspections by geotechnical specialists confirmed it was safe to do so. 
• The landslide appears to have been triggered by a slip in the forested area high above the road.
• Around 3.00am on 30/1/20 – reports of approximately 1000 Tonnes of debris on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful – east of the normal area covered by debris fences and catchpits. 
• Over 86mm of rainfall fell in the local area in the  two days before the landslip occurred.

What alternative travel options are available at the Rest and Be Thankful, other than the Old Military Road local diversion route?

·    Ferry provider Western Ferries can also accommodate traffic.   Up to date information available at www.western-ferries.co.uk by phone 01369 704452 or email enquiries@western-ferries.co.uk 

 

 

11am, Thursday 30th January 2020

The A83 Rest and Be Thankful is now open to road users via the Old Military Road (OMR) local diversion route after a landslip occurred earlier this morning. Traffic will be controlled in a convoy system.

Over 1000 tonnes of debris reached the carriageway closing the A83 in both directions at 3:00am this morning. The Old Military Road diversion allows this to be bypassed ensuring Argyll is open for business.

Specialist teams are assessing the situation on the A83 at the moment and will begin the clear up operation when safe to do so in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland.

What has happened at the Rest and Be Thankful?

• The A83 has now opened via The Old Military Road after safety inspections by geotechnical specialists confirmed it was safe to do so.
• Around 3.00am on 30/1/20 – reports of debris on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful – east of the normal area covered by debris fences and catchpits.

What alternative travel options are available at the Rest and Be Thankful, other than the Old Military Road local diversion route?

·    Ferry provider Western Ferries can also accommodate traffic.   Up to date information available at www.western-ferries.co.uk by phone 01369 704452 or email enquiries@western-ferries.co.uk

 

6.30am Thursday 30 January 2020

The A83 is closed in both directions at Rest and Be Thankful due to a landslip. See attached photograph.

Over 1000 tonnes of material has reached the carriageway this morning.  BEAR Scotland staff are on site assessing the situation on the A83 and when safe to do so will commence clearance operations.  The Old Military Road will be assessed this morning to consider if it safe to use to use as a diversion.

The standard diversion route is in place as follows from the closure points Tarbet to Cairndow: - 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.    

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Manager, said:

“Safety is our top priority, and we’re doing all we can to assess the slope and the extent of the debris from the steep hillside above the carriageway.  The landslide is east of the normal landslide susceptible area but is within the section of the A83 that we could use the Old Military Road.  The Old Military Road will be assessed this morning to consider if it is safe to use.  In the meantime traffic will be diverted via the A882/A85/A819”

“As ever, we thank the local community and road users for their patience and assure them we’re doing everything we can to address the landslip at the Rest and Be Thankful as quickly and safely as we can. We remind road users that Argyll remains open for business, and rest assured we’re doing everything possible to ensure the A83 opens as soon as it is safe to do so.”

“Road users should also check Traffic Scotland for the latest information about the Rest and Be Thankful, and we’ll be doing our best to keep stakeholders updated on progress.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter @trafficscotland or the new mobile site, my.trafficscotland.org.

What has happened at the Rest and Be Thankful?

Around 0300 on 30/1/20 – reports of debris on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful – east of the normal area covered by debris fences and catchpits.

What alternative travel options are available at the Rest and Be Thankful, other than the Old Military Road local diversion route?

·         Ferry provider Western Ferries can accommodate diverted traffic.   Up to date information available at www.western-ferries.co.uk by phone 01369 704452 or email enquiries@western-ferries.co.uk

·         The standard diversion route is in place as follows from the closure points Tarbet to Cairndow: - 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.    

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Bear Scotland Winter Teams Ready to Keep Scotland Moving20 Dec 2019

 

BEAR SCOTLAND WINTER TEAMS READY TO KEEP SCOTLAND MOVING

·         120 winter vehicles available across north of Scotland

·         195-strong team of winter drivers & 24/7 winter control room bolster winter efforts

·         Local primary schools involved in naming new fleet with winners announced in January

 

 

BEAR Scotland teams are gearing up for a busy festive season with 120 winter vehicles and 195 drivers on stand-by to help keep Scotland’s northern trunk roads moving this winter.

Teams are ready to tackle whatever winter conditions affect the 2,036km of trunk road BEAR is responsible for across the North East and North West of Scotland, which also includes a section of the M80 between Junction 2 Stepps and Junction 7 Haggs and a short section of the M73 between Junction 3 Mollinsburn and its junction with the M80.

BEAR Scotland also had a dedicated 24/7 winter control room which helps coordinate all of BEAR’s winter response programme, analysing detailed weather forecasts and road temperatures to ensure treatments are carried out as necessary.

Local primary schools including St Bride’s Primary School in Ballachulish, Anderson’s Primary School in Forres, Cairney Primary School near Huntly and Ruthvenfield Primary in Perth have also received special visits by BEAR’s gritters in December with school pupils invited to come up with a new name for the vehicles.  Winning names will be revealed in January with pupils able to spot the gritters on the Transport Scotland online ‘trunk road gritter tracker’, which provides live tracking of gritters across the network. 

Once named, the gritters will join the rest of BEAR Scotland’s fleet of quirky named winter vehicles which include, ‘For Your Ice Only’, ‘Sir Andy Flurry’ and ‘Gritty Gritty Bang Bang’, to name but a few.

With a fleet of 120 winter vehicles in total, including 39 large 32-tonne eight-wheeler spreaders which are amongst some of the largest in the UK, the gritters will be focused on carrying out precautionary winter treatments which aim to stop ice forming and involve spreading pre-wetted salt on routes forecast to experience low temperatures. BEAR’s winter patrol service also has the ability to spot-treat any icy patches and clear snow.

Iain Murray, BEAR Scotland’s Managing Director, said: “Our dedicated and experienced team  remain as committed as ever to doing as much as possible to keep Scotland’s key routes open and safe for motorists over the festive period and indeed the rest of the winter.

“Already teams have been busy so far this year with colder spells experienced earlier this month across our networks, and we’re ready to respond to whatever weather comes our way over the remaining winter season.

“As ever, we want everyone to have a safe Christmas and New Year, and we remind members of the public to ensure their vehicles are well maintained and that they pay close attention to local and national media and online information to help plan journeys and be prepared should conditions deteriorate.”

BEAR is also on hand to deal with any issues on the trunk roads brought on by storms that bring high winds and heavy rain. Gully tankers, sandbags and water pumps are available to deal with any flooding issues and chainsaw operatives are also on standby to attend any fallen trees or branches.

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org. 

TIPS FOR DRIVING IN WINTER:

·         Only travel when absolutely necessary

·         Allow more time for your journey

·         Listen to local and national radio for travel and weather information

·         Slow down and leave increased distance between you and the vehicle in front.

·         Be prepared when travelling. Keep the following in your vehicle:-

o   Ice scraper

o   De-icer

o   Torch

o   Warm clothes including gloves and hats

o   Blanket

o   Shovel

o   Food & drink

o   High visibility jacket

o   First aid kit

·         Check:

o   Your tyres are at the correct pressures and have good tread.

o   Your vehicle lights are clean and working.

o   Your wiper blades are effective.

o   Your battery is in good condition and fully charged.

o   Your vehicle anti-freeze is the right concentration (Your garage can do this for you).

o   Your windows and mirrors are clear of ice or condensation.

• Drivers can get winter driving advice at: http://trafficscotland.org/media/badweatherleaflet.pdf
• Traffic Scotland provides real time information on trunk road conditions.  You can visit their mobile site here: https://my.trafficscotland.org, or access information at www.trafficscotland.org or via twitter @TrafficScotland.
• The Transport Scotland trunk road gritter tracker details where spreaders have been in the past 24 hours.  This can be viewed at Traffic Scotland here: http://trafficscotland.org/wintergritterinfo/
• Consider public transport options for your journey by visiting www.travelinescotland.com

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BEAR Scotland and Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company Mark One Year of Partnership 19 Dec 2019

• Over 1,340 road signs have been produced since January by Armed Forces veterans for trunk road network in north of Scotland

• Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SMBC) employs veterans from the Armed Forces and others with disabilities in Scotland who may need support adjusting to life after service

• Trunk road operator BEAR Scotland was one of the first commercial companies to purchase the road signs one year ago

 

A team from BEAR Scotland visited a veterans’ manufacturing company in Erskine on Friday to mark a year of trading between the two organisations and to meet the ex-forces team members manufacturing the road signs installed by BEAR across the north of Scotland.

Based in Erskine, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SMBC) employs veterans from the Armed Forces and others with disabilities in Scotland who may need support adjusting to life after service. SMBC manufactures commercial signage and printing services, including high-quality road signs.

BEAR Scotland was one of the first commercial companies to purchase road signs from Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, now just over a year old. Since January, SMBC has produced over 1,340 signs for BEAR Scotland – more than a quarter of all the signs the initiative has produced in the past year - which have since been erected across the trunk road network throughout the north of Scotland. 

These signs have included directional signage on the A9, M90 & A82 as well as warning signs, tourist signs and larger bespoke signage for road safety projects.  

On Friday’s visit, BEAR Scotland saw first-hand the dedication, quality and precision behind the work SMBC does in producing road signs for the trunk road network.  

Iain Murray, Managing Director for BEAR Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to visit the dedicated team at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company and meet those involved in producing such a high-quality product for us since January this year.

“BEAR Scotland has long supported employment opportunities for ex-forces members and it is so inspiring to come to the depot and meet those producing the signs we use across our network in the north of Scotland and hear their stories.  

“We’re so pleased with the quality, skill and dedication behind this initiative and we’re delighted that working with Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company not only supplies us with a high-quality product but also provides essential employment opportunities for our brave veterans.  We look forward to developing further opportunities and ways to work together to support this great initiative in 2020.”  

Michelle Ferguson, Director of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, said: “Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company was established for one simple reason: to offer greater opportunities to those veterans and others with disabilities. 

“The vast majority of veterans have an easy transition and are able to move into the civilian workforce relatively smoothly. However, for too many, they face great challenges – and that’s who we’re here for. 

“The business that BEAR has placed with us in the last year has helped our organisation grow immensely, allowing us to employ more military spouses, veterans and others with disabilities giving them valuable transferable skills. Gary Jamieson, one of our veteran’s, sums it up perfectly – ‘when BEAR places an order with us they aren’t just buying a sign, they are changing the lives of veterans’. 

“We are incredibly thankful to BEAR Scotland for the trust they have put in our team and for their continued backing. We are looking forward to further collaboration in the coming years and to seeing the signs we make across the Scottish road network.”

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