National Highways reveals engineering solution to protect drivers after A40 rockfall
Experts have developed an engineering solution to protect drivers and prevent further rockfalls on the A40 for many years to come, National Highways has revealed.
A patterning of steel bolts and steel mesh will be installed across the stretch of slope affected by a rockfall last year to ensure the long-term safety of the A40 at Leys Bend, on the Herefordshire/Monmouthshire border.
Following comprehensive surveys of the hillside in the area, a team of specialists have produced the solution to avoid a repeat of the rockfall which has partially blocked the road and to allow it to be re-opened.
Caption: The debris which is blocking the A40 following the rockfall
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.”
The 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.
A webpage with the latest updates and information about the scheme can be found here:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/a40-leys-bend-rockfall/
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.
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