Gloucestershire County Council is continuing to progress plans to stabilise the A419 at Cowcombe Hill near Chalford, following ongoing ground movement which has caused damage to the road.
The hillside adjacent to the carriageway has been carefully monitored for several years after cracks appeared in the road surface due to land movement.
During this time, engineers have undertaken extensive surveys, ground investigations and monitoring to better understand the issue and identify the most appropriate long-term solution.
Due to the rescheduling of the main works, the extreme weather conditions experienced this summer and the predicted wet winter, it is essential that the route and known ground conditions continue to be monitored.
The timing of the monitoring is important to gather ground movement data before and during the winter months to help ensure the stability of the road and the safety of the travelling public.
As part of the next stage of the project, additional ground investigations will be carried out to provide more detailed information about the condition of the hillside and help finalise the design of the preferred engineering solution.
To enable this work to be undertaken safely, a temporary road closure will be in place from 29 September to 9 October 2026.
The council will continue to work with residents, businesses and stakeholders to minimise disruption wherever possible and provide advance notice of traffic management arrangements.
Main construction works were originally expected to begin sooner.
However, following discussions with local stakeholders and commoners, concerns were raised about the potential impact that major construction activities could have on cattle grazing during the spring and summer months.
After carefully considering this feedback, the project programme has been revised.
Subject to the completion of the detailed design and necessary approvals, the main construction phase is now proposed to begin in November 2027.
The revised timetable reflects the council’s commitment to balancing the delivery of essential highway improvements with the needs of the local community.
The project will:
- Stabilise the hillside and underlying ground.
- Prevent further damage to the A419.
- Improve the long-term resilience of the route.
- Help maintain a safe and reliable road for residents, businesses and visitors.
Cllr Mark Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Cowcombe Hill is a vital route for local communities in the Stroud area and for people travelling across Gloucestershire. Ongoing ground movement means we need to take action to protect this important section of the network and reduce the risk of further deterioration.
“We understand that temporary closures can be inconvenient, and we’d like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while these important investigations are carried out. The information gathered will help us finalise a long-term solution that will improve the resilience of the route for years to come.
“We’ve also listened carefully to feedback from local stakeholders and commoners regarding the impact of construction activity on cattle grazing. By revising the programme, we’re seeking to deliver the scheme in a way that balances the needs of the highway network with those of the local community.”
For more information about the project, visit the council’s A419 Cowcombe Hill Landslip webpage.
