Albert Street Wall

Albert Street Wall is a large retaining wall in Lydney, Forest of Dean. This structure supports private land above a public footpath and road. The wall ranges from 1.5m to 5m high over an approximate 70m length.

Update 8 April 2026

The topography survey and vegetation clearance at Albert Street Wall is now complete. We were able to complete our survey without removing any trees. 

The survey results are now being reviewed by engineers, ahead of work commencing later this year (Winter 2026). All of the preliminary work is now complete. 

Our contractor will be demolishing the retaining wall, and re-profiling approximately 12m of land behind the wall to create a gentle slope. The wall itself will not be replaced. The full extent of GCC land at this location is coloured blue and purple on the below map:

This particular repair is being managed by the Highway Infrastructure Team. We can be contacted directly on highwaysinfrastructure@gloucestershire.gov.uk. Please let us know if you have any questions and we'll get back to you ASAP.  

Previous updates

Update 25 February 2026

The vegetation clearance at Albert Street Wall will resume on Tuesday 3 March. This work was previously paused on 6 November due to operational issues. Once the vegetation clearance is complete, a topography survey will take place. The topography survey requires dry weather, so our contractor will wait for a dry day once the vegetation has been removed.  We are now expecting to remove the wall in Autumn 2026. The retaining wall will be fully demolished and the land re-profiled into a gradual slope. 

Update 16 October 2025

Extensive clearance of vegetation is planned for 3-6 November. Most vegetation above the wall (including several trees) will need to be removed to ensure the future stability of the bank. This work was previously planned for early September, but was postponed due to resource pressures. 

Our vegetation clearance will be followed by a topography survey, which provides a very clear picture of the local physics. This information is essential to ensuring the wall can be removed safely. The overhead BT cable was successfully diverted on 13 August. 

What is happening?

A partial collapse has occurred which requires immediate intervention. Large ballast bags have been installed at the base of the wall to provide structural support and the footpath has been closed. Heras fencing has also been installed to separate the collapsed wall from the public. Gloucestershire County Council aim to repair the wall during this financial year.

Work required

• Deconstructing the full stretch of retaining wall.
• Partial excavation of land immediately behind the retaining wall.
• Regrading the land into a stable and safe slope. The wall will not be replaced.
   

Next steps

Our immediate next steps are:

• De-vegetation of the work site.
• Conducting a topography survey to better understand the local geography.
• Diversion of existing BT Openreach cable.

Ground investigation works were completed in December 2024, which provided a much clearer picture of the conditions beneath road level.

This particular repair will require a full closure of both the public footpath and road. Access to Newerne Street carpark will be maintained throughout.

Construction is currently expected in Spring 2026.

Further details on this closure and the diversion route will be published here when confirmed. In the meantime, please direct any questions to highwaysinfrastructure@gloucestershire.gov.uk.