The A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful has reopened today, under traffic light control, following a major programme of complex repair work being completed. This follows a significant landslip last month which blocked the road.

Temporary traffic lights will remain in place for safety, as engineers are continuing with work to construct further mitigation measures.  A temporary debris barrier has been erected to protect road users and a catch-pit is being excavated at the foot of the channel to provide further resilience on the route.

Local MSP Jackie Baillie has welcomed the news of the reopening but has said work still needs to be done to identify a permanent solution to the continued problems on the road, so that local residents and businesses do not have to face constant road closures in future.

Jackie Baillie MSP for Helensburgh and Lomond said:

“I want to thank the team of workers, who have been working hard since the A83 closure to get the road reopened safely.

“Like many local residents and businesses, I welcome the reopening of the A83, which is a vital piece of road linking Argyll & Bute with the West of Scotland.

“It is essential though that the A83 Taskforce works towards a permanent solution to deal with the continued problems on the road.

“The consequences of not finding a permanent solution will devastate the Argyll & Bute economy and continue the huge delays that many frustrated local residents have to put up with, which would be simply unacceptable.”