Skip to main content

TRL provides expert opinion on A83 landslide

Following the recent landslide on the A83 in Scotland, the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory’s (TRL) Dr Mike Winter, head of Ground Engineering and Regional Director, was able to provide a rapid response when he was called upon for advice. TRL has worked closely with Transport Scotland over the last decade undertaking research and offering independent expert opinion on the risks associated with the potential for landslides across Scotland. TRL’s opinion was particularly sought on strategies for re-op
March 11, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
Following the recent landslide on the A83 in Scotland, the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory’s (491 TRL) Dr Mike Winter, head of Ground Engineering and Regional Director, was able to provide a rapid response when he was called upon for advice.

TRL has worked closely with 505 Transport Scotland over the last decade undertaking research and offering independent expert opinion on the risks associated with the potential for landslides across Scotland.

TRL’s opinion was particularly sought on strategies for re-opening the A83 taking into account the risks of further landslides and the progress of necessary remedial work, as well as the continued use of  the Old Military Road (OMR) diversion. Dr Winter was able to view the landslide from the air, along with Scottish Minister for Transport and Veterans, Keith Brown MSP, and assist with a full briefing on the situation including the likely phasing and timing of re-opening the road.

Continuing poor weather conditions since the slip have severely hampered work by the crew of geotechnical engineers and specialist subcontractors who need to access the hillside and assess the risks of loose material and make safe any boulders.

Dr Winter said:  “This is an excellent example of TRL working closely with Transport Scotland and their operating company (BEAR Scotland) to ensure that the road is reopened as soon as it is safe to do so, and to thus help minimise the economic impacts that such events have on the people of Argyll. The rare opportunity to view and event such as this from the air was a real bonus and will be very helpful in informing our future activities.”

Related Content

  • April 4, 2016
    TRL showcases Transyt Online Adaptive Signal Control
    TRL, the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory which is recognised world-wide for transport innovation, evidential research and impartial advice, says it regards Intertraffic 2016 as a great platform to showcase not only its software portfolio, but its wider consultancy, research, simulation and testing offering.
  • April 7, 2014
    TRL at work in Beijing
    Dr Alan Stevens, chief scientist and research director at the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), has been working in Beijing on an ITS project to develop a strategy to improve safety on the motorways of China, using cooperative ITS as an addition to more traditional safety improvements. It is also expected that this will lead to improvements in capacity and environmental sustainability.
  • August 7, 2013
    TRL launches 2013 traffic signals tour
    Following its successful launch last year, the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) Traffic Signals Tour 2013 tour will take place at six key locations across the UK during 1 to 16 October, calling at London, Cardiff, Leicester, Leeds and Glasgow as well as at TRL Crowthorne headquarters in Berkshire.
  • March 18, 2015
    TRL to study London’s HGV operations
    The UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has been asked by Transport for London (TfL) to improve the understanding of how HGV operations are carried out in London, and why this group of vehicles is currently over-represented in accidents. HGVs, their drivers and operators are frequently in the news following involvement in accidents, particularly in London and particularly involving vulnerable road users. TRL is conducting research with HGV owners, drivers and business leaders to learn first-hand the in