Interactive Map (double click to zoom in, move around map layer and click on features)

Following the comparative assessment of five route options through Glen Croe, the preferred route for the permanent, long-term solution was announced in spring 2023.

The assessment considered a broad range of factors including Engineering, Environment and Traffic and Economic considerations and was reported in the DMRB Stage 2 Report which can be found by clicking  here . A shorter summary of each of the route options can also be found by clicking  here .

The preferred route, formally known as the Brown Option, is generally located on the line of the existing A83. To protect the road users from debris flows, landslides and other such events, a structure known as a debris flow shelter will be installed to cover a section of the road considered to be at higher risk.

The preferred route will include a catch pit on the uphill side of the debris flow shelter structure. The purpose of the catch pit is to channel landslip material, allowing it to be dealt with safely and efficiently, without adversely impacting the road user or downstream slope. The debris flow shelter, i.e. the roof over the road, is there to provide an extra level of protection to road users whilst also providing access to the catch pit for maintenance.

A visualisation of the preferred route can be viewed on  Youtube  or  Vimeo .

The preferred route will be approximately 2.4km long, of which the flow shelter and catch pit will be approximately 1.4km with the catch pit and protection wall extending a further 180m, to protect the road user as the road moves beyond the Beinn Luibhean slope and area of highest vulnerability.

The preferred route will connect to the existing A83 approximately 125m south of the existing bridge that carries the A83 over the Croe Water, mid-way up Glen Croe. The preferred route will then tie-in to the existing A83 at an existing straight section of road north of the B828 junction. As a result, it will be necessary to provide an improved junction between the preferred route (A83) and the B828 Glen Mhor local road. This will involve widening the verge on the inside of the bend directly across from the B828 Glen Mhor local road junction to improve visibility of the road ahead for all road users.

Changes to the existing bus stop and turning area will be needed, as well as a new access to the Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint car park. The preferred route will continue to cater for road cyclists as the A83 does at present. The majority of walkers, cyclists and wheelers will continue to use alternative paths, such as the parallel core paths within the forested area on the other side of Glen Croe or the Old Military Road. Throughout the DMRB assessment process opportunities to enhance local walking, cycling and wheeling links will be considered through the Walking, Cycling and Horse-Riding Assessment and Review.

 Click here to view the Preferred Route Plan and Profile drawings 

As the preferred route is predominantly on the existing A83 road, there will be a requirement for temporary traffic management for road users during the construction period, which will include traffic light operation and potentially considerable periods of full closures where traffic will be diverted to the Old Military Road, which will be upgraded as part of the medium-term solution. For further details on the medium-term solution, including measures to reduce journey times on the Old Military Road please see  here .

• Improved resilience and operational safety of the trunk road network by reducing the impact of disruption for travel to, from and between Argyll and Bute and the Central Belt of Scotland.

• Most favourable performance across a broad range of environmental criteria, including; cultural heritage, visual, population and human health, climate and materials and waste.

• The greatest potential to be delivered quickly.

• The greatest opportunity to encourage sustainable travel.