Forest Road, Lydney

Following a landslip in November 2023, which resulted in significant collapse and long‑term instability, the affected section of Forest Road has remained under temporary traffic‑light control to keep the route safe while detailed assessments were undertaken. The extent of the failure has been substantial, with ongoing ground movement making it necessary to implement a full road closure to allow safe access for remediation works.

As part of these works, we are going to install sheet piling to stabilise the slope and safeguard the highway. This operation will be carried out using the Giken Supercrush Piling Rig, a low‑vibration, specialist machine which is being used for the first time by Gloucestershire County Council, marking a significant step forward in our approach to complex geotechnical challenges.

Construction works began on 9 February 2026 and are currently expected to be completed by the end of August 2026, subject to site conditions.

We are also making full use of the road closure to undertake additional value‑for‑money works in the area, including:

• Geotechnical investigations (GI) at several other known geotechnical/slip sites along the corridor.
• Potential remediation at two further locations that have shown recent, accelerated deterioration, to reduce the risk of future failures and avoid additional unplanned road closures.
• Coordinated maintenance works being undertaken by the Area Team to address local asset needs while the closure is in place, minimising future disruption to residents and road users.

There have been several key milestones already achieved since the road closure was implemented.

• Forest Road Closure & Diversion Route
  The road has now been formally closed, and the traffic management for the diversion route is fully in place.
• Liaison with Dean Forest Railway
  We have worked closely with the Dean Forest Railway to ensure they are comfortable with the traffic management arrangements and that access to Dean Forest Railway is maintained. This cooperation helps minimise any potential impact on their visitor numbers during the works.
• Site Set‑Up Completed
  The team has completed the full site set‑up, including fencing the entire working area to ensure safety and security throughout the construction period.
• Site Clearance & Drainage Investigations
  Initial site clearance activities have been completed, alongside drainage investigations to inform the next stages of the programme.
• Openreach Diversion Works Underway
  Openreach diversion works are currently underway.

Previous Update.

Update on Road Status and Upcoming Works

Montel Civil Engineering Ltd have been appointed Principal Contractor by Gloucestershire County Council for the Forest Road, Lydney – Geotechnical Remediation Works. The works are required due to significant land subsidence on the B4234 Forest Road between Lydney and Whitecroft and to carry out the repairs safely, a full road closure will be in place from 07:00 on 9 February 2026 for up to seven months. Access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times; however, there will be no through‑access through the work area. A signed diversion route will operate for the duration.

For Forest Road operational enquiries only please contact:

  Michael Mendyka, Montel Civil Engineering Ltd

  Tel: 01905 425 468

  Email: michael.mendyka@montel-group.com

 We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused whilst carrying out these works.

Access Arrangements:
For emergency services, there will be no through road at the scheme extents.

However:

• Access to the railway and southern properties will be available from the south.
• Access to northern properties will be maintained from the north.
• Access to the site itself will be maintained from both ends in emergencies, though the north is the suggested route.

We understand that this prolonged closure of this route will cause inconvenience to local residents, businesses and commuters, and we sincerely apologise for the disruption. Please be assured that everyone involved is working hard to complete the repairs safely and reopen the road as soon as possible.