Residents and road users invited to find out more about A40 rockfall clear-up
People living near the scene of a rockfall along the A40 on the Herefordshire/Monmouthshire border can get the latest update on plans to remove the debris from the road at a series of information events.
Members of the project team and contractors will be on hand to answer questions as details of the road layout changes needed for the work are outlined for residents and road users.
Traffic management specialists, working closely with the local authorities, have prepared a plan which will keep the A40 open in both directions but also give roadworkers a safe working space at Leys Bend for the debris to be removed and more detailed surveys to be carried out on the embankment.
One lane is currently closed on the eastbound carriageway with a temporary barrier in place to stop any further rocks falling into the path of traffic.
To avoid the peak tourist season and other works affecting the local road network, the debris will be removed in November and December.
National Highways Route Manager, Joseph Walmsley, said:
“Safety has to be our priority, which is why we have had to partially close the road, but we are also determined to minimise the disruption for the local communities and road users as much as we possibly can.
“These plans will enable us to keep the road open in both directions and will take place after the busy holiday period. We are grateful to people for their patience while we have been dealing with this incident and will continue to make sure they are fully informed throughout the process.
“Please do come along to one of our information events to find out exactly what will be taking place, and when, and speak to our team about any questions or concerns you may have.”
Three information events are taking place on the following dates:
Thursday 25 July, 11am - 7pm – Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, NP25 3DY
Friday 26 July, 10am - 4pm - Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, NP25 3DY
Saturday 27 July, 10am - 2pm - Monnow Bridge, Monnow Street, Monmouth, NP25 5ES
The work will see a contraflow introduced to enable the A40 to stay open in both directions while the rocks are safely removed and detailed examinations of the slope carried out. These will determine the most appropriate method to manage any long-term geotechnical risks in this area and will include a hi-tech Ground Penetrating Radar survey of the area as well as a 3D survey of the slope to enable a detailed design of the permanent works.
There will be some overnight closures to install the contraflow, with a clearly-signed diversion route in place, no daytime closures are planned.
The design of the remedial works will then be carried out with construction likely to begin in early 2025. Options being investigated include netting, rock bolts or a safety fence.
A webpage has been set up to provide the latest updates and information about the scheme and can be found on our website here:
www.nationalhighways.co.uk/A40LeysBend
Sign up to receive email updates by emailing: noreplyA40WMids@nationalhighways.co.uk
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiriesOption 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)
