Local Helensburgh & Lomond MSP Jackie Baillie is demanding urgent action after the A83 and Old Military Road was closed again due to a landslip.

On Tuesday of this week BEAR Scotland who maintain the road on behalf of Transport Scotland advised that multiple landslips had blocked the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful in both directions, following a period of heavy rainfall across Argyll. Material from the landslip also blocked off the local Old Military Road, which has been used in the past as an alternative route to the A83.

Commenting, Jackie Baillie MSP for Helensburgh & Lomond said:

 “This is not the first time that we have seen the A83 closed at the Rest and Be Thankful. The consequences of each closure for the local economy and local people are hugely significant.

“Residents, businesses, workers and visitors in Argyll and Bute rely on the A83 to commute and move goods and services up and down the country. When both the A83 and the Old Military Road are closed the diversions are lengthy and add more time on to already long journeys.

“I am very grateful for all the efforts to reopen both roads, but it is clear that a permanent solution needs to be found to prevent closures like this from happening again.

“I know that Argyll & Bute Council, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government have worked together to find a solution, and it is vital that they do so urgently. Those who rely on the road should not have to put up with continued closures.”

~ENDS~

NOTES TO EDITOR:

• A standard diversion route has been implemented between Tarbet and Cairndow via the A83, A82, A85 and A819.  Temporary traffic lights are in place on the A82 at Inveruglas after heavy rain also impacted a retaining wall following a day of challenging conditions.
• 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