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Forest Road closure extended to complete additional safety works

Published
Gloucestershire County Council has extended the road closure on the B4234 Forest Road between Whitecroft and Lydney to allow additional essential ground stabilisation works to be completed.

The closure is now expected to remain in place until summer 2027, subject to ground conditions and construction progress.

While repair works at the original landslip site have been completed ahead of schedule, further investigations identified two additional areas of significant and accelerated ground movement that require stabilisation before the road can safely reopen.

The council recognises the disruption this will cause for residents, businesses and road users. However, completing all necessary repairs as part of one coordinated programme will provide a safer, more resilient route and help avoid future major closures.

The approach will:

  • Complete all required stabilisation works in a single programme.
    Avoid reopening the road under temporary traffic signals before carrying out further major works.
  • Address areas of emerging ground movement before they deteriorate further and require more extensive intervention, reducing the risk of future closures.
  • Improve the long-term safety and resilience of the route.
  • Deliver a more durable connection between Whitecroft and Lydney.

Cllr Mark Harris, cabinet member for highways, said: "I understand the impact this continued closure will have on residents, businesses and everyone who relies on Forest Road, and I'd like to thank the community for its patience and understanding while this important work takes place.

While repairs at the original landslip site have progressed well and were completed ahead of programme, further investigations have identified additional areas of ground instability that must be addressed before the road can safely reopen.

By carrying out these works now, while the road remains closed and specialist teams and equipment are already on site, we can deliver all the necessary stabilisation work through one coordinated programme. Although this means a longer closure in the short term, it will help provide a safer and more resilient route for everyone who uses Forest Road."

More information is available on the project webpage: Forest Road, Lydney.