THE public is being asked for their views on a “permanent solution” for the infamous Rest and Be Thankful pass on the A83.
Transport Scotland has put forward a £470 million proposal to those who live and work along the road, a lifeline route that connects Campbeltown to Tarbet and onwards to Glasgow.
Travel along the Rest and be Thankful has faced disruption due to closure, diversions and convoys for over a decade due to landslips at the beauty spot.
As a result, ministers have been forced to explore long and medium-term fixes to the route, with more than £11m being spent by Transport Scotland since 2014 to combat and clear landslips from the Rest and Be Thankful.
In 2023, it was agreed a shelter would be built above the road to protect it and passing cars from debris caused by landslides, while a medium-term solution will see cars use the adjacent Old Military Road.
The latest proposals would see a cover built over the road, whilst deeper “catch pits” would mean debris from any landslips can be safely channelled away from drivers.
Work would also take place on the Old Military Road diversion to increase its capacity and resilience.
If approved, it is estimated that works will take four to five years to complete.
Elsewhere, investors have earmarked the Machrihanish coast at the western-most point of the route for a £100m pound injection.
The money will be used to build a new golf course and hotel, creating jobs and bringing income to the area.
The consultations end on February 7 and any response to the consultation – including objections – should be made to Transport Scotland.
If there are any objections to the plans, this could trigger a public local inquiry.
Transport Scotland said that a timetable for construction could only be determined once plans have been approved.
