A40 Eastbound in Gloucestershire re-opens as landslide repairs near completion

National Highways is set to reopen the A40 in Gloucestershire as a major project nears completion to rebuild the carriageway following a landslip.

A landslide in February 2021 affected safety for drivers near Glasshouse Lane, and the A40 eastbound carriageway was initially closed with temporary traffic signals operating to enable assessment and survey work and the reduction of water levels.

Following the first phase of the project, the road has been fully closed since August between Saunders Close and Sterrys Lane to enable contractors South West Highways (Eurovia) to undertake the complex second phase of the scheme to reconstruct the embankment and carriageway.

During the 24/7 closure, local traffic has been diverted via the A4136 to Longhope and the B4224 to rejoin the A40, with HGVs and through traffic diverted via the A417 to Bromsbarrow and the M50 to Ross-on-Wye.

As from Friday (24 February), and subject to weather conditions, National Highways will reopen the eastbound carriageway, with two-way traffic signals in place until replanting and de-mobilisation work is completed.

This work is scheduled to finish next month, at which point all traffic management will be removed.

The £3.5 million scheme will ensure this part of the A40 remains safe for local residents and the travelling public for the foreseeable future.

And National Highways Geotechnical Engineering Team manager Guy Swains said: “We’re delighted that we are finally able to reopen this vital stretch of road following the landslide that occurred here two years ago.

“Thanks to the ‘design and build’ nature of the partnership with South West Highways, we were able to move straight from design into construction, saving valuable time and helping us to complete the work as quickly as possible.

“We appreciate the roadworks and diversions have been frustrating but it was essential we carried out this complex repair work under a full closure for safety.

“Throughout the work, we ensured we communicated with local businesses and residents and we thank all drivers for their co-operation and patience throughout.”

David King, Operations Manager for Eurovia, added: “It’s been a privilege to work on this complex stabilisation project, and we appreciate the patience of the local residents, local businesses and users of the A40.

“The project has certainly had its challenges in terms of weather and restricted site access, but we’re delighted to have overcome these to deliver the scheme on time and within budget.”

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk