Permanent solution to prevent rockfalls on Herefordshire A40
National Highways say work should be completed by the winter
A long term solution's been suggested by National Highways to prevent future rockfalls onto the A40 at Leys Bend, on the border between Herefordshire and Monmouthshire.
They're planning a 'patterning of steel bolts and steel mesh' across the stretch of slope affected by debris falling last year.
The idea follows comprehensive surveys of the hillside by a team of specialists which will mean the road can be fully re-opened by this winter.
National Highways Route Manager, Joseph Walmsley, said:
“All of our actions are dictated by the need to ensure safety so it was never an option to simply clear the rocks away. Careful and considered steps are required so that we can protect people using our roads, not just now but for many years to come.
“To that end, we’ve carried out extensive surveys to first help us stabilise the area affected by the rockfall and then enable us to design a permanent solution which will prevent further rockfalls here. Our experts are now finalising the complex engineering solution that will protect this area.
“We are grateful to people for their understanding while these investigations have been taking place and hope for a little further patience as we progress with the design and installation and work towards getting the road fully open again.”
A contraflow system, which has kept the road open in both directions along this stretch, will remain in place until the works are finished.
It was originally hoped the work would be completed before summer 2025, but due to the complexities of the planned solution, and issues in protecting local wildlife and habitats on the site, the scheme is now expected to finish this winter.