Update on progress of Medium and Long-Term Solutions

FH introduced GR and Rory Gunn (RG) of AWJV to provide an update on the upcoming ground investigation work, the medium and long-term solution, the RaBT car park, and the constructability considerations for the long term solution.

GR noted that one of the key points raised at the last meeting was regarding constructability of the debris flow shelter as part of the LTS and what that means for traffic during construction, and confirmed it will be included in RG’s presentation.

RG provided an update on the LTS and MTS including an overview of the construction considerations for the debris flow shelter and an update on the viewpoint car park.

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

FH thanked RG for his presentation and asked attendees if they had any questions.

LS asked regarding provision of toilets at the Rest and Be Thankful and if discussion has involved Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority (LL&TNPA)? LS noted that this site is in the national park and antisocial behaviour where there is a lack of toilets is an issue and this is a major opportunity to improve the visitor facilities in the park, which up until now has had no investment to toilets and facilities. RG said that consideration of toilets has been and will continue to be discussed with the LL&TNPA and other stakeholders, with the next Environmental Steering Group meeting taking place next week.

Gordon Ross (GRo) said he would like to speak with hauliers and Transport Scotland regarding improving the alternative route for hauliers to the A83/A85/A82 through Western Ferries, whereby some form of compensation for the hauliers for any additional costs that might be incurred by using the long diversion route could be considered.

FH noted that transport compensation is not a regular part of the policy framework. However, acknowledged that it might be worth doing a cost analysis for the hauliers in relation to the additional time, diesel/petrol and ferry fares. FH added that collectively as a Taskforce we should consider innovative ideas to ensure Argyll & Bute remains open for business.

Action 4

GRo added that Western Ferries has the ability to flex their additional services, provided enough planning and notice of disruption. FH welcomed this noting that different resilience will be needed at different times of the project, and that planning for more resilience in advance of construction will be important in mitigating disruption.

MC highlighted that the Campbeltown to Ardrossan ferry is a busy route which should be looked at being reintroduced also, further noting that the route from Kennacraig to Campbeltown is also a good route and when combined would present an alternative for islanders and hauliers wishing to avoid the Rest and Be Thankful during construction.

Action 5

JA echoed the observation from MC stating he is keen to see the new ferries in operation, with Campbeltown to Ardrossan an alternative for hauliers during construction.

Cllr Dougie Philand (DP) asked when will work commence on the permanent solution following environmental studies and draft orders. Lawrence Shackman (LSh) stated that following publication of the draft orders, exhibitions would be held to explain the proposals. If any objections were to be received in relation to the orders they would need to be resolved or if unresolved may require a Public Local Inquiry, thus definitive timescales are difficult to identify at this stage. LSh added that the contractor is responsible for the detailed design and will be incentivised to ensure that the closure of the road is minimised within the contract. LSh said in summary, it’s difficult to say when work can start as it depends on whether there are any objections to the draft orders.

FH noted that it might be helpful to send the diagram presented at a previous Taskforce which shows the typical timeframes to JA. JA said that would be helpful to know and explain the process. GR reiterated that the diagram with the indicative timescales is available on the Transport Scotland website, and is also attached to the previous taskforce minutes. The A83 Story Map also holds this information and GR encouraged taskforce members to visit these websites.

FH added that the A83 Story Map is where people and communities along the network should be directed to for further information and updates.

Ariane Burgess (AB) asked, in the spirit of promoting the circular economy, if the material being removed in other projects, including the mountain at Corrie Glas by Invergarry in the Highlands, could be brought to the site for the backfill between the hillside and the structure.

RG clarified that there is no intention to backfill the catch pit, and that the scheme will generate material rather than require it to be imported, but acknowledged the comment noting that material capable of producing suitable aggregates for concrete, for example, could be a consideration.