Traffic restrictions on the A77 at Carlock Wall will remain in place until at least the new year as “more substantial remedial works” are needed than first expected.
Amey issued the latest update on the notorious stretch of the A77 south of Ballantrae on Tuesday, December 10, as they look to finally end disruption on that part of the trunk road.
Current restrictions reducing the road to a single carriage will remain in place until at least the new year when a specialist subcontractor is expected to be appointed.
Amey confirmed it would not be possible to carry out the work required to reopen both lanes before Christmas.
In January 2024, the road was again reduced to a single carriage as “essential maintenance” was required in the wake of the “unprecedented rainfall” associated with Storm Gerrit.
A spokesperson for Amey said: “Following the initial landslip, trees were removed from the slope to mitigate the risk of windthrow and further instability.
“This work also allowed for a more detailed assessment of the slope’s condition. A lane closure remains in place to ensure the safety of road users, as there are currently no feasible temporary measures to mitigate the risk of debris reaching the road and endangering road users.
“This is important during the winter months when the slope is at a heightened risk of movement.
“A further site inspection is planned for the winter to monitor the slope’s condition.
“Amey is continuing to progress with the preparation of key construction documents required for the remediation of the slope.
“Transport Scotland have now confirmed the certification category for the geotechnical works and Amey are working with Transport Scotland to develop a programme for the certification of the works, which is a necessary step before remedial works can commence.
“Following previous clearance works more substantial remedial works are necessary than had first been anticipated and unfortunately given the complexity of the geotechnical works involved and the certification timescales it will not be possible to undertake these works and reopen both lanes before Christmas.
“Transport Scotland and Amey will endeavour to progress the geotechnical certification and tender the remedial works as soon as possible.”
An update on progress will be given once the specialist subcontractor has been appointed and a detailed programme agreed early in the new year.
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