19 February 2013 Last updated at 05:44 ET

A83 Rest and Be Thankful diversion route 'almost ready'

Landslides have closed the A83 Rest and Be Thankful six times in five years

Work on an emergency diversion route for a road frequently hit by landslides in Argyll is almost complete.

The Rest and Be Thankful section of the A83 has been closed six times in the past five years after heavy rain washed tonnes of debris down the hillside.

Long diversions, adding up to 50 miles to some journeys, have been put in place during clearing operations.

Transport Scotland said the relief route, which uses the Old Military Road, could be completed this week.

Work began last year on the emergency diversion, which is part of a £3.7m programme to safeguard the route against landslides.

'Engineering challenges'

When construction is finished, vehicle convoy test runs will begin to ensure the smooth running of the road when needed.

Speaking from the construction site in Glen Croe, Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The team on the ground has worked seven days a week to overcome the significant engineering challenges needed to bring the Old Military Road up to the standard needed.

"Subject to weather or other unforeseen events, we expect the road to be completed and available for use as early as this week - a road which will provide a faster and much shorter alternative to the diversion routes road users have had to endure up until now."