A835 at Loch Garve | Major Works to Replace Retaining Wall

BEAR Scotland, with a significant investment of approximately £2.8 million from Transport Scotland, are set to replace the retaining wall and install new safety barriers on the A835 at Loch Garve. The site is situated a mile south of Garve and prepatory works will start from Monday 26 January.

The existing retaining wall at the site was damaged by a vehicle and needs to be repaired to ensure the road continues to operate safely. Since the incident, temporary safety barriers and temporary traffic signals  have been in place to protect road users.

A complex design process was required to find a new wall solution that addresses the site constraints while allowing the road and railway to remain open. The narrow road, existing utility cables under the road surface, and steep surrounding slopes all add to the challenge of access and construction.

Prepatory works such as clearing vegetation, excavating the ground and diverting Openreach services begin in January 2026. From April, BEAR Scotland will begin the construction of a 108 metre long concrete beam structure under the carriageway, supported by steel rods drilled into the rock below the road. A new steel safety barrier will be installed on top of the block above ground level, giving the new structure a service life of 120 years.

To ensure the safety of the workforce and members of the travelling public, the southbound lane will remain closed and traffic will be controlled with two-way temporary traffic lights until works are completed around November 2026.

Access for emergency services and scheduled bus services will be maintained for the full duration of the works.

Euan Scott, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said: “These retaining wall replacement works on the A835 at Loch Garve will restore structural stability ensuring the long term safety and integrity of the adjacent trunk road and railway line.

“Designing a new wall solution has been a complex process. Our teams have had to account for keeping the road and railway open, working around existing utility cables, and managing the steep slopes above and below the A835, all of which make construction particularly challenging.

“We’re working in conjunction with Network Rail and Openreach with safety as our top priority. We thank the local community and road users for their ongoing patience while we complete the improvements.”