• A83 and A815 to reopen in both directions at 3pm

Following hillside inspections this morning, BEAR Scotland can confirm that the A83 between Tarbet and Inveraray will re-open to all traffic from 3pm this afternoon, 11 October 2023.

Since Saturday 7 October, this section of the A83 has been closed to allow the extensive clear-up of landslide material from the route at Glen Kinglas, and to a lesser extent at the Rest and be Thankful where a small landslip also occurred.

As part of the operations undertaken, BEAR teams have removed over 12,000 Tonnes of debris and have cleared roadside verges and drainage systems to allow the trunk road to re-open to traffic. The road is now free of debris and safe for motorists to use.

Heavy and persistent rainfall on Friday evening and Saturday, which was associated with an amber weather warning, caused major impacts on the trunk and local roads networks, with significant disruption experienced across Argyll.

The area around the A83 saw a month’s worth of rainfall, around 160mm, fall over 36 hours. Seven landslides reached the road, with the A83/A815 junction to the west end of Glen Kinglas badly affected.  The landslides experienced are as follows:

• One small landslide at the Rest and be Thankful. Debris reached the road and was cleared.
• Two further landslides at the Rest and be Thankful. Debris was captured in the debris net and debris pit.
• Four landslides at Glen Kinglas. Debris reached the road and has been cleared.
• Two small landslides at Glen Kinglas which were captured in the debris bund.
• Two very substantial landslides on the A83 at the A815 Dunoon junction. The debris which reached the road has been cleared.

Following the re-opening of the A83, BEAR Scotland teams will remain on site to monitor the areas affected by the landslides in the coming days, and will be supported by geotechnical engineers who will continue to inspect the affected sections of hillside in proximity to the A815 junction and within Glen Kinglas.  Regular inspections of the hillside at the Rest and be Thankful will also continue.

Argyll and Bute Council has confirmed that the A815 will reopen at 3pm.

Argyll and Bute Council has also confirmed that the B828 will remain closed presently due to flood damage to the road.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said, “Our teams have worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to reopen the A83 to all traffic. We are very grateful to our colleagues and partners, as well as local residents for all your support and patience during this challenging time.”