A835 at Loch Garve | Major Works to Replace Retaining Wall
Update (18/09/2026): Following the recent severe weather, site inspections have identified some additional measures that would provide further long-term benefits to the project. We are working closely with Network Rail to incorporate these measures into our works and advise that construction operations will not recommence on 19 September. A new start date will be confirmed as soon as possible.
BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, are replacing the retaining wall and installing new safety barriers on the A835 at Loch Garve. The site is situated a mile south of Garve.
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.
Works to replace the retaining wall started in April 2026, however, works were paused following a storm in July 2026 due to the need for additional remedial measures on the slope between a railway and the road before construction works can continue. Working with Network Rail, these additional measures have now been resolved, and works will restart on Saturday 19 September.
Due to this delay and the complexity of the works, the project is currently predicted to continue until March 2027; this will be subject to ongoing review, accounting for weather and possible unforeseen conditions.
Access for emergency services and scheduled bus services will be maintained for the full duration of the works.
Richard Cook, BEAR Scotland’s North West Bridges Manager, 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 limited space from 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.”
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.”
How to get the latest travel and traffic information
For full information on roadworks on trunk roads in the north-west and south-east of Scotland, visit the Bear Scotland website.
You can report a defect on the network by filling out this form.
Follow Bear Scotland on X at @bear_scotland and at @SETrunkRoads.