A82 rock to come down as planned

Issued by Forestry Commission

Work is to continue as planned to bring down the potentially dangerous 250 tonne rock over the Glen Righ section of the A82.

The decision was taken today after careful inspection of the site and consultation with the Police and Transport Scotland.

The work to remove the rock was to begin  at 1000pm this evening, but due to storm damage, the schedule has been revised.

A number of measures are to be put in place in advance including a partial opening of the A82 between midday and 3pm this afternoon.

To safeguard road users sentries will be posted on the hillside to ensure the road can be closed quickly if weather conditions deteriorate again.

The A82 will remain closed from 3pm onwards and will be re-opened at 6am on Monday 12 December, once the rock removal operation has been completed.

Mike Green, Forestry Commission Scotland's project manager for the rock's removal said:

"Last night's storms obviously gave us many challenges to consider but we have jointly agreed that we should go ahead as planned so the rock will be removed.

"We are very grateful for the patience shown by local people and under the temporary opening today they should expect some delays as a one way system will be under control.

"During the closure we will be working hard to make the slope safe again and remove the rock and associated debris."

For real time journey planning information visit www.trafficscotland.org

For more information about Forestry Commission Scotland's current operation to remove the rock - and their longer term programme on the hillside over the next 3 years - visit www.forestry.gov.uk/A82operations

You can also follow us at http://twitter.com/A82operations

Up to date information on the closure will be available on the Traffic Scotland Web site http://trafficscotland.org/

Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.