Part of the A36 near Bath is to close from next month until spring 2025 for urgent embankment safety works after cracks appeared in a footpath.
Cracks on the pavement along the A36 at Limpley Stoke | Photo © National Highways
National Highways says the work, which will cost around £5 million, is required to stabilise the southbound embankment to prevent further movement and to keep the A36 Warminster Road safe.
The section between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Combe will be fully closed from Monday 12th August, with diversions in place.
Drainage improvement work will also be carried out to reduce the need for more closures.
A diversion will be in place for northbound traffic via A361, A350 and A4.
Taller vehicles should use the A361, A350, M4, M32, A4174 Ring Road, A4 and A36. Southbound traffic should follow the same routes in reverse.
While work is carried out, access will be maintained to properties within the closure, with traffic marshals on hand to help.
Work will be taking place to stabilise the A36 | Photo © National Highways
After cracking was first discovered in the footpath of the A36 between Limpley Stoke Viaduct and Limpley Stoke village, survey works were undertaken to assess the cause and extent of the issue.
The repair work will see the installation of a concrete piled wall and capping beam to stabilise the embankment, as well as new drainage and pavement.
The works will require clearing vegetation and excavation of the cracked pavement sections.
During the closure, the team will also install netting on the rock cutting above the northbound carriageway, as well as undertaking repairs to the viaduct and retaining walls in the area.
National Highways is a government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Hugh Campbell, senior project manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but need to fix the root of the problem to ensure it doesn’t happen again and that motorists and pedestrians remain safe at all times.
“We understand that road closures are frustrating, but by fully closing the road, we can get this scheme done safely and quickly, causing less disruption overall.
“Once it’s all complete, these improvements will benefit road users and the local community for many years to come.”
National Highways is working with Bath & North East Somerset Council and Wiltshire County Council, and says all diversion routes have been agreed to keep disruption as minimum as possible.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “Unfortunately these are significant works to repair an ongoing issue that will be disruptive for a period of time but what National Highways are doing is absolutely essential.
“We’ve worked closely with National Highways to make sure suitable diversions are put in place, the works cause as little disruption as possible and that residents will be kept informed throughout the project.”
Nine years ago the A36 was closed for several months for work to stabilise the bank underneath the A36 between Bathampton and Limpley Stoke.
Remedial repairs were carried out on the stretch from Hantone Hill in Bathampton to Brassknocker Hill in Monkton Combe.
