Upcoming Road Closure – Ground Investigation Works 16th February.
Essential ground investigation works will be taking place on the A466 from 16th to 27th February (excluding the weekend). Closure 09:30-15:30. The ground investigation is being undertaken opposite Bluebell Cottage to assess instability in the embankment that caused the slip adjacent to the carriageway, which has since remained under two‑way traffic signal control. In addition to this, vegetation clearance will be carried out at multiple locations along the A466 to prepare for the upcoming rock containment and further ground investigation works scheduled for May 2026. These activities, which include survey works and borehole investigations, are vital to support the design and delivery of long‑term safety improvements along this section of the route.
Traffic Management will be in place daily between 09:30 and 15:30 to ensure the safety of both the workforce and the travelling public, during which temporary traffic restrictions will operate and a fully signed diversion route will be provided.
We apologise and recognise the potential disruption these works may cause; however, carrying out these investigations now will help minimise the impact of the main safety works later in the year.
Please find link to the diversion route for your reference.
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.
Is the road open to pedestrians or cyclists during the closure?
No, a full road closure is in place for safety reasons.
