Motorists across the Forest of Dean are being urged to plan ahead as Gloucestershire County Council announces a series of temporary road closures affecting multiple towns and parishes throughout October and beyond.

The closures, which span from Cinderford to Coleford and Lydney to Longhope, are part of a coordinated effort to upgrade essential infrastructure including gas mains, water connections, fibre optics, and electricity poles. The works are being carried out by a range of utility providers including Severn Trent Water, National Grid, and OCU Utilities.

Among the most significant disruptions is the closure of Boseley Way in Cinderford, where gas mains replacement will see a 170-metre stretch shut from October 13 until December 5. Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant in Lydney and Bents Lane in Drybrook will be closed for shorter periods between October 13-15 for utility repairs.

In Ruardean, Hawthorns Road will be closed for five days from October 13 for National Grid works, while English Bicknor will see a 1.5km stretch of the C26 road shut for fibre optic installation from October 15-17

Sedbury Lane in Tidenham is scheduled for overnight closures on two weekends— October 26-26 and November 1-2—for bridge maintenance while Church Road in Longhope will be closed for manhole sealing on October 29.

Coleford will experience multiple closures on October 28-29 as electric pole replacements affect Albert Road, Staunton Road, and Oakfields. St John Street will also be closed for one day on October 23 for water works.

In Woolaston, a public footpath (FWO 104) remains closed due to ongoing construction, with the closure now extended until June 2027. Additionally, the C7 road near Woolaston Primary School will be shut from October 27-29 for new water connections.

Further disruption is expected on the A466, which will be subject to phased closures for ground investigation works between October 30 and January 20 2026. This includes stretches through Redbrook and St Briavels, with no stopping or loading permitted during active works.

All closures are subject to change depending on the progress of works, and while the initial dates are specified, the legal orders allow for extensions up to 18 months if necessary. Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout, and alternative routes will be clearly signed on site.

Residents and commuters are advised to check the Gloucestershire County Council website or contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 for the latest updates and route information.

As infrastructure upgrades continue across the district, patience and planning will be key for those navigating the Forest’s winding roads this autumn.