A835 Check Rail Corner Update
Garve and District Community Council
Added at 12:43 on 03 July 2026
The Community Council has raised community concerns again this week with both BEAR Scotland and Network Rail in respect of the repair work underway at Check Rail Corner on the A835 trunk road by Loch Garve. Our thanks to Maree Todd, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, who has written to Alison Irvine Chief Executive of Transport Scotland.
To Bear Thursday 25th June 2026 -
Unfortunately, there were multiple failures of both the temporary traffic lights and the Check Rail Corner on the A835 at Loch Garve last night and again this morning.
An accident occurred this morning. We need urgent answers today please:
What happened to the assurance that the site would be monitored 24/7 by an on-site operator?
Has the installation of CCTV replaced this commitment?
If so, is the CCTV system fully operational and actively monitored?
Several residents have also raised serious concerns regarding the additional traffic management in place last night.
Approaching from Garve, after passing the "600 yards to roadworks" sign, drivers encountered temporary lights immediately beyond one bend and effectively on the next blind bend, with very little advance warning. The situation was made significantly worse by the low evening sun at approximately 8.30pm, forcing drivers to look directly into glare as they approached the works.
The additional works are believed to have been undertaken by SSEN for tree-cutting operations. However, similar issues arose only a few weeks ago during Openreach cable installation works, which we also raised at the time.
This pattern of uncoordinated additional works is creating unnecessary risk. There must be better control of third-party activities, significantly improved signage and advance warning for drivers, and the reinstatement of 24-hour on-site supervision as we have repeatedly requested.
We had an out of office reply and followed up with a further email 29th June 2026
Further to this we still have safety concerns on top of those outlined above
I attach 4 photos showing that there has been extensive soil slippage from the site down the bank in the direction of the train track these were taken on Saturday 28th June 2026.
It is surprising that Network Rail didn't insist upon robust hoarding between the bank and their track.
I would be grateful for a response today addressing all points raised.
On 25th June BEAR Scotland posted this update on their website
In reponse to both of our emails we recieved verbatim from BEAR Scotland
The traffic lights and accident
I can confirm we did have a technical issue with the lights at approximately 4am. We managed the traffic in the meantime until a fix was completed at 6am. The accident in question occurred after the lights were fixed and fortunately was described as minor. The driver accepted fault as they went through the red light.
What happened to the assurance that the site would be monitored 24/7 by an on-site operator? It is not.
No assurance or commitment that the site would be monitored 24/7 was given.
Has the installation of CCTV replaced this commitment?
Installing CCTV monitoring at the lights was a safety improvement but not in place of any other commitment.
If so, is the CCTV system fully operational and actively monitored?
Yes the CCTV is in operation.
Regarding SSEN tree felling works and traffic management
SSEN made a request to access the network as you correctly mentioned, for tree felling. My understanding is these trees were very close to their power lines and they felt it absolutely necessary to intervene to protect the supply towards Ullapool. These works were coordinated to allow traffic management onto the road after 7pm and limited to 3 hours at a time, in order to reduce disruption but also to allow them to complete much needed tree felling.
Regarding the site works and slope
What is shown in the drone photos is not a soil slip but rather disturbance of the soil after use of machinery during works. Our work methods are fully agreed and signed off with Network Rail.
We followed up and have yet to recieve a reply.
To Network Rail - 30th June 2026
Garve and District Community Council wishes to raise concerns regarding the safety aspects of the repair works currently being undertaken above the railway line at the A835 / Loch Garve location known locally as Check Rail Corner (see attached map).
We are concerned about the condition of the site and the substantial quantity of excavated material that has been deposited on the steep embankment between the road and the railway track. From our observations, there does not appear to be any robust protective hoarding or containment measures in place to prevent excavated soil, equipment, or other work-related materials from falling onto the railway line below.
We have contacted BEAR Scotland regarding these concerns and have been advised that Network Rail has approved the contractors’ working practices.
In light of this, we attach photographs which highlight our concerns and respectfully request confirmation from Network Rail that the current arrangements are considered safe and that the works present no risk to the infrastructure of the single-track Kyle of Lochalsh line, its operation, or the safety of passengers and railway staff.
We note that a significant proportion of the works are being undertaken during night-time hours, when visibility is naturally reduced. This heightens our concern regarding the potential for excavated material, equipment, barriers, cones, or other debris to reach the railway line unnoticed. The site frequently contains plastic barriers, traffic cones, and other temporary equipment, much of which appears to be unsecured. The Community Council has previously raised concerns with BEAR Scotland regarding similar items that had already been blown down the embankment towards the railway line.
Given the exposed nature of the site, the steep gradient between the road and railway, and the volume of excavated material currently stored on the slope, local residents have expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of the safeguards in place to prevent debris, equipment, or soil from reaching the track.
Background
This trunk road repair project has been awaiting commencement since January 2024, when instability was identified within the road structure and it was determined that significant strengthening works would be required. Since a lorry partially left the carriageway, the road has operated under temporary traffic management, with single-lane working controlled by traffic signals. Subsequent investigations identified structural weaknesses beneath the road, necessitating the current repair scheme.
Description of the Works
BEAR Scotland has described the project as follows:
A835 Loch Garve – Wall Repair
The works to replace the retaining wall supporting the A835 trunk road at Loch Garve, known locally as “Check Rail Corner”, are progressing steadily.
Preparatory activities were completed earlier this year, enabling BEAR Scotland's third-party contractors to install a substantial 108-metre-long concrete beam beneath the carriageway. This new structure is being anchored securely into the underlying rock using steel rods drilled deep below the road surface.
Once the main structural elements are in place, a new safety barrier will be installed along the top of the concrete structure.
Given the proximity of these works to the railway line, the steep nature of the embankment, the volume of excavated material currently stored on the slope, and the fact that much of the work is being carried out during hours of darkness, Garve and District Community Council would appreciate written confirmation that Network Rail is satisfied with the safety measures currently in place and that appropriate safeguards have been implemented to prevent excavated material, equipment, barriers, cones, or other debris from affecting railway operations or compromising passenger safety.
We would also welcome confirmation of what monitoring and inspection arrangements are in place during the construction period to ensure that the railway remains protected throughout the duration of the works.
Response recieved from Network Rail - FT-2606300000191110809
"Further to your correspondence regarding the BEAR works on the A835 near Garve, I would confirm that Network Rail’s Asset Protection team are engaged with BEAR Scotland and their contractor at this location.
In advance of the main works, BEAR Scotland’s contractor is installing a ‘catch fence’ on the embankment under planned blockages of the line at night. The catch fence is designed to prevent any debris reaching the railway during replacement of the damaged retaining wall. All plant and excavated materials are securely stored on the road above.
At the end of each ‘line block, our ‘Controller of Site Safety’ checks the railway line is clear and fit for the passage of trains before handing the track back to open for rail traffic. This is a standard railway procedure.
We have asked the contractor to confirm the site and embankment are safe and there is no risk to the railway, which they have.
I understand and appreciate your concern for this particular location and topography; we are fully engaged with BEAR and their contractor on this matter and satisfied that all necessary risk mitigation is in place"
As always we will continue to keep you updated.