Scottish mountain pass reopened after its longest snow closure in 'many years'
Mountain pass had been shut since New Year’s Day
The longest closure for “many years” of the last road in the Highlands to be still blocked by snow has ended - two weeks after being shut on New Year’s Day.
The dramatic Bealach na Bà mountain pass near Applecross was finally cleared on Wednesday following “prolonged and severe winter conditions”, Highland Council said.
The local authority said the steepest road in Britain, which climbs to more than 2,000ft posing challenges for drivers, was typically the first route to close in heavy snow and the last to reopen once conditions improved.
Its spokesperson said: “The closure was one of the longest seen in many years, caused by persistent snow, drifting and repeated weather fronts that made conditions unsafe.
“The road could not be reopened until the hill was fully cleared and made safe.
“Closing and reopening the Bealach is a complex and carefully managed operation.
“Crews monitor incoming weather systems closely and deploy snowploughs to the summit to keep drifting snow at bay for as long as possible.
“Once conditions deteriorate to the point where vehicles risk becoming trapped, the snow gates are closed, and the hill is cleared of traffic.”
The council said it was able to keep other roads in the area open including the connecting road to Kinloch at the A896 junction.
The spokesperson said: “This provided continued access for the area although drivers approaching from Lochcarron faced diversions of up to 30 minutes.”
However, the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road in Aberdeenshire remained closed at Bridge of Dye on Friday because of snow which has also blocked it since January 1.
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