Black Isle landslip repaired

Repairs have been completed speedily to a 15 metre long landslip which affected the A832 at the Fairy Glen on the Black Isle.  The slip was triggered by the exceptionally heavy rain at the end of last week. 

The Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services were rapidly on site and reduced the road to single line working with traffic lights whilst repairs were carried out.  All the loose material was excavated down to bedrock and a new rock fill embankment has been constructed.  It is due for completion tomorrow (Wednesday) and it is hoped that the road will be reopened to unrestricted traffic by the weekend.  TECS engineers are confident of the stability of the road following these repairs although some settlement of the soil newly placed in the verge can be anticipated.  There are no proposals to introduce a weight restriction.   

A geotechnical expert has been employed to report on the condition of adjacent sections of road because there have been occasional landslips in the past.  His preliminary assessment did not reveal any further ground movement.  A full survey including trial trenches and material testing will now be carried out.  An assessment will be made of whether further work is required to reduce the risk of future slips, once the report is complete. 

Black Isle Councillor David Alston said “The rapid response to this incident demonstrates the expertise we have within TEC services and shows the Council’s commitment to maintaining its road network.”