£2.35m Project to Repair Landslip-Damaged Road In Gloucestershire

Highways officials have outlined plans to repair a busy Gloucestershire road that has been partially closed since late 2023 due to a landslip.

The B4234 New Road, which runs between Lydney and Whitecroft, was restricted after inspections last November revealed serious defects, including cracks in the carriageway, slope instability, damage to the retaining wall, and drainage blockages. Temporary traffic lights were installed to keep the route open, but they have remained in place for several months.

Following a review of options, Gloucestershire County Council has confirmed its preferred solution is to construct a sheet piled retaining wall to stabilise the slope and secure the road’s long-term safety.

The overall scheme is expected to cost £2.35 million. This figure includes emergency works carried out after the landslip, site investigations, and project design. The construction contract alone is valued at around £1.2 million, with funding secured from the Department for Transport.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (September 17), councillors approved the move to tender the contract. Work is due to begin in January and is expected to take approximately eight months to complete.

Councillor Joe Harris (LD, Cirencester Park), Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance, described the project as essential:“This is about fixing a serious problem. A section of the hillside has slipped, leaving the road unstable. Temporary traffic lights have been in place for a long time, and now we need a permanent solution. The retaining wall will stabilise the slope and make the road safe for the future.”

He added that the scheme is a priority for local communities:“Lydney was the first area I visited when I took on this role, and I know how vital this road is to residents and businesses. I’m pleased we’ve secured funding so that the cost will not fall on the council.”