A419 at Cowcombe Hill near Chalford shuts for landslip investigations
Temporary closure planned so engineers can gather more data before winter sets in
The A419 at Cowcombe Hill, near Chalford, is closed for eleven days while further ground investigations take place into a landslip affecting the road.
The closure runs from 29th September to 9th October 2026.
It forms part of ongoing work to stabilise the hillside next to the carriageway, which has been monitored for several years after cracks appeared in the road surface because of ground movement.
Monitoring and further investigations planned
Engineers have carried out extensive surveys, ground investigations and monitoring over several years to understand the problem and work out the best long-term fix, according to Gloucestershire County Council.
The council said the rescheduling of the main construction works, combined with extreme weather this summer and a predicted wet winter, meant it was essential to keep monitoring the route and the ground conditions.
Gathering data on ground movement before and during the winter months is seen as important for ensuring the road stays stable and safe for people using it.
As 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.
The temporary closure is needed to allow this work to be carried out safely.
The council said it would continue to work with the local community, businesses and other stakeholders to minimise disruption and provide advance notice of any traffic arrangements.
Construction programme revised to reduce impact on cattle grazing
The main construction works had originally been expected to start sooner.
However, following discussions with people living locally and commoners who graze cattle in the area, concerns were raised about the impact major construction activity could have during the spring and summer grazing months.
After considering this feedback, the council has revised its programme for the project.
Subject to the completion of the detailed design and the necessary approvals, the main construction phase is now proposed to begin in November 2027.
The council said the revised timetable reflected its commitment to balancing essential highway improvements with the needs of the local community.
Why the work is needed
Gloucestershire County Council said the project aims to:
- Stabilise the hillside and the ground beneath it
- Prevent further damage to the A419
- Improve the long-term resilience of the route
- Help maintain a safe and reliable road for people living nearby, 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."