Drivers have been forced to divert almost 60 miles to avoid part of the A83 blocked off by a major landslide on Tuesday.,
Clear-up operations are currently underway on the A83 at Rest and Be Thankful and the Old Military Road after heavy rainfall caused multiple lanslips.
Crews have confirmed large, car-sized boulders have been brought down the hillside onto the carriageway.
Approximately 1500 tonnes of debris is thought to have reached the A83, with around 2000 tonnes of material washed onto the Old Military Road.
In total, the landslide is thought to have moved around 6,000 tonnes of debris across the hill.
Drivers are now facing a diversion of almost 60 miles to avoid the blocked path.
Up to 100mm of rainfall is estimated to have fallen across Argyll on Tuesday, which BEAR teams say created a ‘fan effect’ down multiple water channels some of which reached the roadside.
READ MORE: Train services chaos and treacherous road conditions as flooding hits Scotland's central belt
It is the second time this year that the road has been closed due to debris, with the stretch blocked in January for two days after being covered by 1300 tonnes.
⌚07.35#A83 remains ⛔CLOSED⛔ in both directions between Rest and be Thankful and Arrochar
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 5, 2020
Diversion information can be found here: https://t.co/xFZmBChl97@NWTrunkRoads https://t.co/54DEa7EOzi
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West representative said: “Yesterday’s heavy rain caused a large landslip high above the road which reached the A83 and OMR roadside at multiple points, bringing significant amounts of debris.
“Our teams have mobilised at both ends of the A83 at the Rest and OMR and have begun the initial clear-up of the debris.
“Further assessments need to be completed by geotechnical specialists of the hillside and both roads to check for any further concerns, and until these checks and the clear-up is complete the A83 and OMR will remain closed.
A standard diversion route has been implemented between Tarbet and Cairndow via the A83, A82, A85 and A819.
READ MORE: Motorists face 59-mile diversion after landslip at Rest and Be Thankful
Temporary traffic lights are in place on the A82 at Inveruglas after heavy rain and flooding also impacted a retaining wall following a day of challenging conditions.
Additional sailings are running on Western Ferries this morning to accommodate motorists.
Discounted tickets will be available at the Hunter's Quay ticket kiosk, and anyone using ferries is urged to wear face-coverings as per Scottish Government guidance.
Transport Scotland has issued the following diversion advice:
Westbound
- Turn right onto the A82 at Tarbet and follow the road until Crianlarich
- Turn left onto A82 and continue until Tyndrum
- Turn left onto the A85 and continue until Dalmally
- Turn left onto A819 and follow the road until Inveraray. Thereafter follow permanent signing
Distance: 58.8 miles
Eastbound
- At Inveraray, turn left onto the A819 then follow the road until Dalmally
- Turn right onto the A85 and continue until Tyndrum
- Turn right onto the A82 and follow the road to Crianlarich
- Turn right onto A82 and follow the road until Tarbet
Distance: 58.8 miles
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