BEAR Scotland, the operating company working on behalf of Transport Scotland, are undertaking emergency works on the A828 between Ledaig and Benderloch, approximately two miles north of Connell Bridge, requiring a full road closure from 8pm on Friday 15 November. Works are anticipated to becompleted over the weekend.
The closure is required to undertake emergency measures to make a section of the high rock face in this location safe. Recent monitoring of the site has identified deterioration of the area surrounding a fractured rock mass 60 metres above road level. This has been assessed by geotechnical engineers and requires urgent attention to ensure the on-going safe operation of the A828 trunk road.
Temporary traffic signals were put in place on Wednesday 14 November as an immediate safety measure prior to undertaking these emergencyworks over the weekend. As part of the works, extensive measures need to be put in place to protect the road and important utility services at the location from the potential impact from rock debris.
During the works over the weekend, the trunk road including the footway and adjacent national cycle route 78 will be closed. A diversion will be put in place via the A85 from Connell to Tyndrum and the A82 through Glencoe to Ballachulish. Given the nature of the work, amnesties or timed openings are not possible.
Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said “We regret the inconvenience these emergency works will cause."
“The decision to close the road over the weekend has not been taken lightly as we appreciate the impact it will have on businesses, public transport and local people. This is particularly the case with this being the run up to Christmas and the start of the festivities in Oban".
“However, the works are urgently required to ensure the ongoing safety of road users and cannot be delayed through the winter period. Undertaking the work at the weekend will avoid impacting school transport and much of the freight traffic. Every effort will be made to complete the works and reopen the road as quickly as possible.”
Real time journey information is available from TrafficScotland on www.traffic.gov.scot or X@trafficscotland.