Emergency works to repair damage caused by the A431 Kelston Road landslip will begin in July the Council have announced, with the likelihood of completion by Christmas.
This follow months of exhaustive tests and geological sampling which began immediately after the road was closed for safety reasons.
The Council has already constructed a path for cyclists and pedestrians in a field adjacent to the land slip.
Following detailed analysis of geological samples taken from the scene, the Council has come up with a permanent solution that will stabilise the land and open the road.
The land has only just stopped moving which was a pre-requisite before work could begin to start stabilising the land and repairing the road.
The Council are working closely with their contractor to programme the specialist plant and equipment required with a view to commencing on site as soon as possible.
Works are anticipated to be completed – and the road fully opened again – before Christmas 2014.
This work is being fast tracked as the Council understands the impact of the landslip on local residents, businesses and commuters. Their priority has always been to achieve a permanent solution which means the Council need not suffer such problems in the future.
The Council will also be looking to apply for Government funding to offset the cost as this was a direct result of the heavy rainfall and flooding that caused so many problems across the country.
The Council will be setting out further details of the plans next week to members of the public.
The news comes after Conservative councillors called on the Council yesterday to give answers and a timetable for rectification work to take place.
Newly elected Conservative councillor for the area Terry Gazzard commented: “I’ve spoken with many people in Kelston and the surrounding area about this issue over the past few weeks and it’s clear that residents are at their wits end.
“The loss of customers as a result of the closure is causing untold harm to local businesses, and residents are having to cope with lengthy diversions and heavy traffic on small roads which were never designed to deal with such loads. We desperately need a plan of action in place to get this sorted.”
In response, the Liberal Democrats said that Conservative councillors in B&NES need to pitch in and help keep residents informed over the Kelston Road closure.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Southdown), Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: “I completely understand that the closure of Kelston Road is harming local businesses as well as affecting local residents’ daily lives and travel arrangements. However, safety is still the most important consideration.
“The Kelston Road closure is still being treated as a top priority by the Liberal Democrat administration and we are doing everything we can to expedite a solution and keep everyone informed.
“There is no question of any delay related to funding. The repairs will go ahead when the scheme has been designed and the Council will be seeking additional funding from the government.
“It is shocking that Conservative Councillors are willing to exploit the distress and inconvenience of their own local residents in their attempt to score political points. They should be pitching in to help keep residents informed and to promote local businesses.
“Official Council statements have previously pointed out that there is unfortunately no easy solution or quick fix because we are dealing with complex geological factors some seven metres underground.”