Drivers across the Forest of Dean face a month of disruption as Gloucestershire County Council rolls out a packed programme of essential works – from manhole installations to fibre‑optic upgrades and ash‑dieback tree safety projects.

The first closures arrive on April 7, when Church Walk in West Dean shuts for 12 hours for the installation of a new manhole. The short 80‑metre stretch, between the homes known as Snompers and Redlands Cottage, will be closed between 7am and 7pm, with diversions signposted.

Also on April 7, and extending into April 8, a 30‑metre section of Tump Lane at English Bicknor will be closed for Severn Trent Water works. The lane, outside Whitehall Cottage, is scheduled to reopen by 5pm on 8 April – although the council warns the legal order allows up to 18 months if work overruns.

Just three days later, on April 10, part of Drybrook Road will shut between 9.30am and 3.30pm for overhead fibre cabling. Access for residents and emergency services will be kept open throughout.

Another significant set of closures follows April 13–15 , when a 610‑metre stretch of The Ruffit at Littledean is blocked for fibre‑optic installation. Again, the legal notice permits an extension if needed.

But the most disruptive programme begins from April 6 and runs on a rolling basis until April 2027, affecting dozens of routes across St Briavels, Lydney, Coleford, Staunton, Huntley, Longhope, Gorsley, Kilcot and Newent. These longer‑term closures are part of a major operation to remove trees affected by ash dieback, a disease that has swept through the county’s woodland margins and poses a growing risk to road users. Signs on site will indicate which stretches are closed and when.

Towards the end of the month, more water‑works-related closures are scheduled: • Bulley Lane at Churcham, 22–24 April, for Severn Trent works. • Blaisdon Lane, 20–22 April, for cabling and gully services.

All closures include signed diversions, and pedestrian access will remain open.

Residents wanting updates can contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit gloucestershire.gov.uk.

With multiple works overlapping, drivers are being urged to plan ahead to avoid delays. As one highways officer put it: “It’s a busy month, but these works are essential for safety, connectivity and infrastructure resilience across the district.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.