Scotland's most dangerous road to be saved by a new tunnel

Photo Transport Scotland

The infamous Rest and be Thankful road connecting The Mull of Kintyre with the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland could soon be protected by a mile-lonG tunnel.

The A83 is notorious for the numerous landslides that close the road to traffic, with nine rockfalls shutting it since 2007 alone. In 2020 it was closed for 200 days, forcing drivers on a near-60 mile detour.

In order to keep the road open Transport Scotland has announced plans for a mile-log, open-sided shelter to protect motorists from the boulders above. Transport Minister Kevin Stewart said the government had been "working tirelessly to find a long-term solution to the landslip risks".

"The identification of the preferred route option through the Glen Croe valley is a very important milestone in finding a solution to this long-standing problem. The proposed new debris flow shelter will help protect the road and road users from future landslides."

Covering the road on its most treacherous section could cost up to £470 million but Transport Scotland reckons it will be money well-spent as around 1.3 million vehicles travel on the route every year.

It’s a busy but spectacular route, and well-worth taking in on any Highland Detour, so let’s hope the tunnel gets the go-ahead.

Photo Shutterstock

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