BEAR Scotland update on current mitigation and current conditions of the hillside followed by open discussion

ER introduced himself as Scheme Manager for the RaBT with BEAR Scotland. ER presented slides which included an update on the hillside monitoring at the RaBT, the work with Forestry Land Scotland, improvements at Glen Kinglas and Aray Bridge and on the wider programme for the A83 and A82.

A copy of the slides can be found in Annex A.

FH thanked ER for his presentation which provided a valuable update to confirm the efforts to ensure the A83 remained open.

JG asked why there was Traffic Management (TM) currently in place on the A83 and what was the purpose of the trailer loaded with fencing. ER confirmed that the TM is in place due to movement on the Beinn Luibhean slopes and to ensure the safety of road users. The fence on the trailer is to protect road users from any rocks and boulders which may be dislodged.

Cllr Maurice Corry (MC) asked what the crack above the green arrows was on the slide (slide no.4). ER confirmed it to be a tension crack, an evolving natural feature. MC asked how they will stop it. ER stated that they wouldn’t stop it but survey monitoring is ongoing, and they are planning to put in a fence between the major channels, similar to other fences already installed, to prevent any material reaching the road.

ER confirmed that they have stabilised the boulders and the new fencing will be procured and constructed, with the aim being to remove the TM by the Autumn. ER added that other work relating to the MTS (Phase 1) link road is nearly complete which will address the historic flooding issues at this location.

MC asked why the OMR can’t be made wider further up the road. ER noted that this is part of the MTS work which AWJV will be covering later.

Lucy Sumsion (LS) asked, regarding the area of hillside currently subject to traffic management, as to why the traffic management extends for significant lengths beyond the area of slippage and if it can be removed during periods of better weather, which we have had for the last few weeks. ER confirmed that BEAR Scotland wish to avoid stationary, queuing traffic within these extended areas due to the wider hillside risks and want to keep traffic moving along those sections in a safe manner.

FH enquired as to why work to establish the new fence would take as long as indicated over the key summer months and if there was any way to bring it forward. ER confirmed that the process is already fast tracked to minimise impacts on road users, noting that this timescale includes design, procurement and an estimated two months construction period.

John Gurr (JG) reiterated a key focus of the A83 RaBT Campaign Group is to keep a two way road open as much as possible. Over the last 4 years the road has been under traffic management more than it has not. Is there any way that some of the fencing can be maintained so that it keeps the road open? ER responded that a lot of the work revolves around installing foundations into the bedrock, which is 12m deep in places, and the two month lead in time is realistic.

JG asked about timing of works and traffic management coming up to summer where traffic increases, noting the time it takes to get through the traffic lights. JG acknowledged the good investment in the A83 but noted concern around concurrent road closures. ER noted that for the trunk road network in Scotland they do apply amnesty periods to allow people through, noting other organisations elsewhere in the UK do not and simply close the road.

JG noted that the work they are doing with overnight roadworks is brilliant with respect to keeping businesses moving. FH said that it was good to hear the feedback as the A83 is distinct and needs special attention, there is a balance between responsiveness and also safety with a common-sense approach for drivers.

JG noted that often there are traffic lights on the road and nothing appears to be happening. ER acknowledged and confirmed lights are not in place without reason and in these situations there will be a technical reason and/or utility works which are outwith BEAR Scotland’s control.

FH noted that communication was discussed at a previous meeting and asked that going forward we ensure communication around roadworks is maintained and clear to Taskforce and the wider travelling public.

Action 1

Jane Macleod (JM) asked about Aray Bridge, if there are autumn works can there be one set of traffic lights not two. ER said that it was necessary to provide two sets of lights to manage access for the contractor to the waterfront. BEAR Scotland suggested two separate lights and asked for them to be manually controlled to ease traffic flow.

Duncan Macalister (DM) asked about night working and traffic management and that commencing at 7pm is not really nighttime, could nighttime works commence later, for example at 11pm. ER said that a limited amount of work can be achieved between 11pm and 6am, which would then result in the total duration of any works extending. He also confirmed that it was not practical to work to these timescales in terms of shift patterns.

Cllr John Armour (JA) said that he is the new policy lead for roads in Argyll and Bute Council and asked about the closures for resurfacing. He added that there have been three amnesties in Campbeltown which are not suitable as a bus had to stop for an hour to get through Campbeltown. JA asked why there were three in this instance but there are four in others, also there have been traffic lights in operation on the A83 with no work being done. ER said that they will look into the situation at Kilkenzie. However, normally there will be a good reason for them to be kept on.

FH asked JA in his new council role, if road matters could be discussed between the Council and BEAR to allow the Taskforce to focus on the Rest and Be Thankful.

Action 2

Peter McKerrol (PM) also asked about the amnesties in Kilkenzie noting the two hours between the amnesties is too much and said that 11pm is a better time in relation to deliveries into and out of the area, not 7pm, and suggested 9pm may be more appropriate. ER said that they are trying to make the best use of resources, in terms of the amnesties each project is looked at separately and depends on the condition of the road. ER said that they try to minimise the time people have to wait. However, the pressure is on to get the job done, he confirmed that he will feedback to the team regarding the regularity and timings.

FH asked that the Council and BEAR can liaise in relation to responsiveness for the A83 (Refer to Action 2 above). FH acknowledged that these challenges may go on for some time and these can make a big difference to businesses so the ongoing communication between organisations will be key.

LS asked when will the parapet be repaired on the Aray Bridge? LS also noted the lights at the top of Minard hill are quite lengthy and makes if difficult particularly for lorries coming up Minard hill. It appears to be a damaged road cover, with no work having been done for weeks now. ER noted that he was not able to provide answers at this time as he could not recall, however he confirmed that he will follow up with further information.

Action 3