Scotland's landscape and weather means that some its roads are vulnerable to the risk of landslides and climate change is likely to increase that risk says a Transport Scotland study published yesterday

The 'Scottish Road Network Landslides Study' reports on a significant research project including pioneering work to determine the likely locations of landslides affecting the trunk road network, and in particular those areas at greatest risk from such events. The work was carried out following a series of landslides after very heavy rain in the north of Scotland in 2004.

Jim Barton, Transport Scotland's Chief Roads Engineer and Director said: "It is vital to the economy of Scotland that we maintain a safe, efficient roads network. We want to be at the forefront of research which helps us minimise disruption to our roads, particularly in rural areas.


"We recognise the vital importance of our roads network and we will continue to work with our operating companies, local authorities and the police to make sure that our roads are resilient and that drivers have the best information possible when making their journey."

Landslides are already more likely during the summer months of July and August and from November to January in winter. The report notes that heavier rainfall that lasts for shorter periods, as a result of climate change, may mean that landslides become more frequent.

The report puts forward strategies for managing risk at 67 sites identified on Scotland’s roads. The area concerned covers a total stretch of 240 miles on 16 roads across Scotland, just over 10% of the Scottish trunk road and motorway network. The sites are largely in the north of Scotland and include sections of the A82, A83 and A9.

Transport Scotland's aim is to use available information to take early action and to minimise the impact on surrounding communities and, most importantly, the risk to road users from landslide events.

This means implementing management measures such as variable message signs, implementing more frequent patrols by operating companies, and developing education and advisory materials for the public and road users. Significant improvements to the drainage maintenance programme have already been implemented following the events of August 2004 and better drainage systems are now installed when building new roads or where possible maintaining existing ones when it is possible.

(GK/JM)