In response to the dangerous rockfall that partially blocked a section of the A40, National Highways experts have developed a solution to enhance safety. A network of steel bolts and safety mesh will be installed to secure the stretch of slope affected by last year’s rockfall.
The long-term safety of the A40 at Leys Bend, on the Herefordshire/Monmouthshire border, will be ensured through this initiative. While the initial completion was expected in the summer, the project is now set to be finished by the winter.
Following comprehensive surveys of the affected hillside, specialists have devised this solution to mitigate the risk of future rockfalls and expedite the reopening of the road.
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National Highways Route Manager, Joseph Walmsley, emphasized the necessity of prioritizing safety in all actions. The preservation of road users' safety for years to come is the focal point of the extensive surveys and the design of a permanent protective solution.
The contraflow system, currently facilitating traffic in both directions along this stretch, will remain operational until the completion of the works. Originally slated for completion before summer 2025, the project’s complexity and the need to safeguard local wildlife and habitats have resulted in a revised timeline, with completion expected in the winter.
For the latest updates and information about the scheme, visit the National Highways website.