A82 to remain closed at Invermoriston all weekend
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THE A82 is to remain closed at Invermoriston for the whole weekend amid continuing concerns over the stability of a rock face.
The road was closed yesterday after a rock fall sent boulders tumbling onto the busy trunk route.
Iain McDonald, BEAR Scotland’s North West Unit Network Manager, said:
“We continue to work with Forestry Commission Scotland to enable the A82 to be reopened following the rock fall yesterday and although the road is now clear of debris, there are still concerns about the slope.
“Public safety remains the ultimate concern and we are therefore advising that the A82 remains closed as operations progress.”
Initial indications are that an old oak tree fell on to a boulder field and triggered the rock fall. However, the commission’s team will continue to investigate the cause as they further develop plans to stabilise the slope.
Engineers have warned that the work required will be technically challenging and a major undertaking – possibly requiring the use of a helicopter to airlift materials and equipment to the site.
Two rocks, roughly six tonnes apiece, need to be broken up and removed before catch fencing is then installed.
Fotrestry Commission Scotland said: “We are looking into what underlying causes may be behind this incident but it illustrates once again the urgency behind our long-term programme.
“Felling the mature trees along the A82 and cleaning and scaling the rock face will significantly reduce the likelihood of these types of incidents in the future.
“We’d like to thank all local residents and road users for their continued patience and understanding.”
The section of hillside affected has not yet been tackled by the Commission’s ongoing programme to harvest trees on steep ground but work was scheduled to begin in September this year.
Up to date information on traffic management measures will be available on the Traffic Scotland Web site http://trafficscotland.org/ as and when they are required.
