Rockfall risk repairs force eight-week road closure

Nearly eight weeks of road closures are set to begin in Ross-on-Wye as work gets under way on a long-term solution to rockfall issues at the Wilton rock face.

Herefordshire Council has appointed a contractor to carry out the programme, with work scheduled from 19 October until 11 December.

The scheme follows a series of rockfalls in recent years, including an incident in 2019 which forced the closure of Wilton Road while temporary safety barriers were installed. Further rockfalls have since been contained by those barriers.

Wilton Road will be fully closed between both junctions with Wye Street throughout the project. Royal Parade will also remain closed for the duration of the works.

Signed diversion routes will be put in place, while advance warning signs will be installed to inform residents, businesses and road users. Pedestrian access will be maintained wherever possible.

The council said it is also contacting affected properties and businesses ahead of the closures and is encouraging firms to make alternative arrangements for deliveries if required.

The project has been described by the authority as a long-term solution that has been a priority for Ross Town Council and local people.

Work will include the removal of vegetation from the base of the rock face, installation of new drainage infrastructure, construction of a rock trap and the building of a concrete block wall with a stone-facing finish.

Council officials said the scheme is designed to improve and maintain the site, help contain any future rockfall and improve the appearance of the existing infrastructure.

The authority acknowledged the closures were likely to cause disruption and urged motorists to plan journeys in advance and allow extra travel time.

The timing of the work has also been planned around ecological requirements, with construction taking place outside sensitive periods to avoid disturbing nesting birds and bats.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.