WORK is complete on the creation of a new £1.1 million catch-pit at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
BEAR Scotland, who carried out the works, said that the 120m long and 12m wide structure is capable of holding around 4,500 tonnes of debris material from a potential landslip.
It comes following numerous closures to the road due to landslips, which led to Argyll and Bute Council setting a deadline in February for the Scottish Government to introduce a permanent solution by 2026.
Construction first began on the catch-pit in September of 2020, following the initial clear-up of the ‘major’ landslides experienced last year. It joins already existing catch-pits, which BEAR said brings the amount of debris able to be caught at almost 20,000 tonnes.
Minister for transport, Graeme Dey, said, “Improving the resilience of the A83 Rest and Be Thankful is one of our top priorities, so the completion of this additional catch-pit is very welcome. The Scottish Government continues to treat the issue with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, as we look to implement measures to maintain connectivity on a short, medium and long term basis.
“On my recent visit to the site I heard first-hand accounts of the geo-technical challenges posed by this section of the road and would like to thank the staff at Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland for their continued hard work on this vital project.”
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north west representative, added,“The completion of another catch-pit at the Rest and Be Thankful is another step forwards in strengthening the landslide mitigation measures for the A83. Teams remain onsite continuing with further resilience measures in the area, including preparations to begin construction of the new permanent catch-pit beneath the steep channel carved out by landslips in 2020.
“As ever we thank the local community and motorists for their continued patience while we continue this important work to strengthen resilience on the A83.”
