Drivers across the Forest of Dean are being urged to prepare for a series of temporary road closures this month, with Gloucestershire County Council announcing restrictions affecting roads in Woolaston, Churcham and the Wye Valley.

The closures will allow essential infrastructure works and highway investigations to take place, with diversion routes signed on site.

One of the earliest schemes will affect the C5 road from the junction at Woodside to the junction at Woodside Road in Woolaston Parish. The closure is scheduled to run from Tuesday, October 27 until Thursday, October 29.

The affected section extends from outside Woodside House to the junction adjacent to High View, covering a distance of around 100 metres. Gloucestershire County Council said the closure is required to enable new water connection works to be carried out safely.

Pedestrian access to properties on or next to the road will be maintained throughout the works, while emergency access arrangements will also remain in place. A signed diversion route will operate during the closure.

A second temporary restriction will affect Bulley Lane in Churcham Parish from Monday, November 9 until Tuesday, November 10.

The closure covers approximately 450 metres of road, stretching from outside Drews Farm to the junction with Pigeon House.

The works involve ditching and pipe repairs, and the order also introduces restrictions preventing vehicles from waiting, stopping or loading within the affected area while the scheme is underway.

Gloucestershire County Council said pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained, with motorists following a signed diversion route around the closure.

The most significant traffic impact is expected on the A466 between Redbrook and St Briavels, where a section measuring around 5.1 kilometres will be temporarily closed on Monday, November 9.

The closure affects the route from its junction with Highbury Road to its junction with Stowe Road and is required to facilitate geotechnical monitoring.

While emergency access will be maintained throughout the operation, the council has warned that pedestrian access will not be permitted for safety reasons during the closure period.

All three orders have been made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Gloucestershire County Council said that although the works are expected to be completed within the advertised dates, the legal orders could remain in force for up to 18 months if required, or until the works have been completed.

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

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for journeys and follow the diversion routes and traffic management measures in place.