Issue - meetings

Update from Transport Scotland

Ian Woodcock provided the Forum with a verbal update, advising that on the 15^th September approximately 500 tons of material was successfully intercepted by the fences and pits on the Rest and Be Thankful and that there was an unexpected hillside movement on the 18^th and 19^th September with traffic being diverted to the Old Military Road until the 26^th September. Mr Woodcock highlighted that Transport Scotland continue to monitor the hillside and any event is assessed with prescribed action taken.

It was highlighted that along the A83 at Cairndow junctions there are VAS signs which are waiting for SSE to provide the electrical connection, with 5 signs for the direction signage scheme planned for Q3/4 of this financial year and that Transport Scotland have asked BEAR to engage with Cairndow Community Council on future issues. It was also noted that the Array Bridge works are now complete.

Mr Woodcock advised that there is a planned closure on the A82 between Tarbet and Crianlarich for 4 weeks starting on the 13^th October with works including structural maintenance, carriageway patching, road markings drainage and vegetation being undertaken and that layby and tourist signage improvements are also planned for October/November time between Tarbet and Balloch.

Councillor Blair highlighted the success of the average speed cameras along the A82 and asked if this approach be adopted across the locality. Mr Woodcock advised that he would pass Councillor Blair’s comments onto the Strategic Safety Team who determine when and where the next set of cameras would be installed.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from Transport Scotland.

Update from Transport Scotland

Apologies had been received from Ian Woodcock but he had sent a written update, which was read out by the Committee Manager, as follows:-

A brief report as regards to A83 & R&BT etc. which affects your local;

1. A83 Works completed through May/June 2024 include resurfacing between Cossack to Colchester as well as refurbished street lighting within Tarbert & temporary barrier along with other remedial works at Glen Kinglas which provides further protection from landslide at this location.

2. Schemes to commence include new junction signage at Cairndow as well as the annual road safety investigations to be carried out over the next 3 months.

3. Rest and be Thankful, we have many schemes planned for this location with a view to mitigate closures due to landslides as well as maintain safety of the travelling public. I will summarise when I get full sight of the approved works, however, schemes include new bunds/barriers, ongoing assessments/monitoring, drainage & culvert works as well as new fence install at various locations

I would add that as I am new to this role/position, I am not fully up to speed with current issues/works etc., but will endeavour to provide a more robust statement for the next meeting & going forward.

Councillor Sinclair stated that a substantial amount of Cowal residents use the Rest and be Thankful and noted that the traffic light system is back again and that in excess of £70m had been spent on this section of road and there is still a trailer and cage sitting there. Councillor Hampsey agreed with Councillor Sinclair and agreed he would raise these issues with Transport Scotland and report back to Forum members.

Outcome

The Forum noted the verbal update from Transport Scotland.