WORK has commenced on the build of a temporary barrier along a section of the Old Military Road (OMR) affected by recent landslips.
BEAR Scotland is carrying out the work on the 175-metre-long, six-metre-high barrier to be positioned next to the OMR beside a ‘vulnerable’ channel formed by landslips in August and September. Transport Scotland anticipate the work to be completed by Christmas.
Work will also begin this month (December), in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland, to build deer fences to protect a range of trees due to be planted next autumn to help maximise the stability of the hillside.
The Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, Michael Matheson, said, “I’m delighted that our contractors have begun construction of a new 175 metre debris barrier above the Old Military Road, and that the work will be complete before Christmas, weather permitting. This will provide greater resilience to the local diversion, helping to ensure continuity of access to the region. I look forward to visiting the site as soon as is appropriate to see this work for myself.
“I would like to thank the local stakeholders and businesses who I met this week to discuss our continuing work to deliver landslide mitigation measures. Their support and partnership working will be key to identifying a long-term solution.”