Traffic will be diverted from the Rest and Be Thankful for "years rather than months" as a shelter is built over the A83.

The pass has been subject to numerous closures due to frequent landslides, which mean diversions along the single-track Old Military Road.

More than £11m has been spent by Transport Scotland since 2014 clearing landslips from the Rest and Be Thankful.

Plans have been drawn up to build a shelter over a section of the road, in effect a 1.4km long tunnel which would keep debris off the road.

Plans for a debris shelter at the Rest and Be ThankfulPlans for a debris shelter at the Rest and Be Thankful (Image: Transport Scotland) At a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council it was revealed that construction of the shelter would mean Old Military Road being used for "years rather than months".

Before construction begins, upgrades to the parallel road will be made to allow for two-way traffic - but the north-west end would remain single track and have to employ traffic management, including a convoy system, due to the steepness and twistiness of the road.

A suggestion by councillor John Armour to use a forestry trade route on the western side of Glen Crow was dismissed as it is also prone to landslips.


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Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: "During construction of the debris flow shelter, it is anticipated that all traffic will be directed onto the OMR due to the complexity of the construction requirements.

"Whilst traffic is expected to be diverted onto the OMR for a significant period - years rather than months - to allow construction, the actual duration will not be firmed up until a contractor is in place and programmes, method statements etc are completed."

Council leader Jim Lynch told the Oban Times: "This issue cannot rest until a permanent solution is in place.

"That has been the position of the council for many years.

"The chamber considered priorities today and the A83 features in them. It is of significant importance and is one of the biggest connections to Argyll and Bute. It is crucial to the growth of our success.

"I will knock on as many doors as I have to in order to get the best results for Argyll and Bute, and that includes the Rest and Be Thankful."