A83 Rest and Be Thankful
UPDATE (12/01/2026): Following thorough inspections of the hillside, traffic returned to the A83 Rest and Be Thankful, operated by BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland just before 10:30am this morning, Monday 12 January. The A83 at Rest and be Thankful is under traffic signal control to facilitate drainage and fencing works.
The short Old Military Road local diversion had been in use as a safety precaution from noon on Sunday 11 January due to heavy rainfall. This ensured that the public were able to travel to and from Argyll safely and with minimal delay.
Euan Scott, BEAR Scotland's North West Representative, said: “Our priority is always the safe operation of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful and the Old Military Road provided a reliable alternative during a period when the hillside experienced 76mm of rain.
“This morning’s inspection confirmed that traffic can be returned to the A83. We appreciate the patience shown by all road users.”
Traffic Scotland and BEAR Control Room Update 11/01/2026 – 11:35
Traffic will be switched from the A83 to the OMR from 1200hrs today (11/01) due to heavy rain forecast.
A further update will be provided if this arrangement changes.
Progress on the A83 Rest and Be Thankful continues (8th January 2026)
Works restart on Monday 12 January
Initial traffic management at Cobbler Bridge will enable key drainage and barrier upgrades
Signals will then move north to allow hillside stabilisation and further barrier enhancements
Following the planned pause in traffic management over the festive period, BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, will return to continue improvement works on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.
Temporary traffic signals and a 30mph speed limit will be reinstated on Monday 12 January to ensure the safety of the workforce and motorists while the next stage of these essential improvement works are delivered.
The traffic signals will initially be located at the Cobbler Bridge to allow landslide barrier maintenance and drainage works to be completed. The traffic management will then be moved north to facilitate further slope stabilisation works and landslide barrier maintenance and emptying. Given the nature of the works, temporary traffic signals will be in place 24 hours per day.
This next stage of works is expected to continue through to early summer.
Access for emergency services and scheduled bus services will be maintained throughout the project and we would like to thank the local community and road users for their patience while we carry out these essential works.
Euan Scott, BEAR Scotland’s North West Unit Representative said, “These works are all essential improvements to ensure resilience of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. We are pleased with the progress made so far and our crews will continue working with safety as our top priority.
“We thank the local community and road users for their patience while we carry out these essential works.”
The A83 at the Rest and be Thankful is operated in part by BEAR Scotland, for more information please visit their website, or follow their twitter for real time updates.
For more information on the local area, please visit the Argyll and Bute Council website, or follow their twitter.
You can find updates on the long term solution for the A83 on the Transport Scotland website.
There's also an A83 Story Map that you can access.