The B4234 Forest Road, a key route linking Lydney and Whitecroft in the Forest of Dean, will remain closed until summer 2027 as essential repair and stabilisation works continue. The road has been fully closed since 9 February 2026 following a significant landslip in November 2023.
Initially, Gloucestershire County Council estimated the closure to last up to seven months, aiming for a reopening in September 2026. However, recent investigations have identified further ground instability requiring additional remediation, prompting an extension of the closure period by nearly a year.
The affected closure spans approximately 500 metres, but detours force drivers to take a 15-mile diversion. The alternative route leads from Lydney along the B4231 Bream Road to Coleford, then back towards Lydney via the B4234 through Cannop.
Following the landslip report in late 2023, temporary traffic signals were installed to maintain limited access while a permanent engineering solution was planned. Full closure commenced in February 2026 to begin remediation at the initial landslip site, referred to as Site 1. Work at this location was completed ahead of schedule.
However, further detailed inspections uncovered additional ground deterioration at Site 2 and a newly identified failure area, Site 1a. Subsequent monitoring revealed rapid worsening of cracking and subsidence at both sites, necessitating further intervention before the road can safely reopen. Notably, cracking at Site 1a has grown from around 15 metres in February 2026 to 45 metres by July 2026, while Site 2’s cracking expanded from roughly 6 metres in November 2023 to 110 metres by July 2026.
In an update, Gloucestershire County Council acknowledged the disruption caused by the extended closure but emphasised the importance of addressing all unstable ground simultaneously. This approach aims to prevent reopening the road prematurely only to face further prolonged closures in the future.
The council stated: “We recognise that the continued closure of Forest Road is challenging for residents, businesses and road users. However, the discovery of these additional issues now provides an opportunity to address these areas of ground instability in a single, coordinated programme of work.
By carrying out the additional essential repairs now, while the road is already closed and specialist teams and equipment are on site, the Council can avoid reopening the route under temporary traffic signals before having to return for further major works at a later date under full road closure.
This proactive approach will deliver the best long-term outcome for residents, businesses and everyone who uses Forest Road. We understand the impact the closure is having on local journeys, residents and businesses, and we would like to thank the community for its continued patience and cooperation.”
The council, in partnership with Montel Civil Engineering, which is overseeing the project, will continue to provide updates as progress is made via the project web page on the Gloucestershire County Council website.