A466 Wye Valley road closure

UPDATE Friday 7 February

Our team have completed the works required to make the road safe and are clearing the road of all debris and equipment today/tonight, meaning that the road is expected to reopen from 10am tomorrow morning Saturday 8 February.

What has happened? 

An emergency road closure was implemented on Friday 24 January due to safety concerns to the travelling public regarding a loose boulder on the embankment above the carriageway (photo above), and the increased risk posed by the predicted storm and forecasted 60mph winds.

We were concerned about the safety not only of the boulder becoming loose and falling into the carriageway, but also for the surrounding rocks and large tree which are supported by this boulder. The risk was increased with the high winds forecasted over the weekend – significant movement of the tree would have likely caused a failure of the rock face with no notice, endangering the public using the roads. Some of the rocks in question are the size of medium-large size cars and pose a significant threat to life if they were to fall into a live carriageway.

When will be road be re-opened?

Following a meeting (30 January) with a specialist contractor, we can confirm that works are currently being programmed and we expect the road to be opened within 1-2 weeks. Work of this nature, due to the risks presented in moving such large objects, requires careful planning and we must ensure the safety of the workforce whilst balancing the need to reopen the road to minimise the disruption being caused. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Is the road open to pedestrians or cyclists?

No, a full road closure is in place for safety reasons.