Residents across the Forest of Dean are being advised to prepare for a series of temporary road and footpath closures next month, as Gloucestershire County Council announces essential works ranging from utility installations to major safety repairs.

The first closure planned is Church Walk (405090) in West Dean Parish, where crews will be installing a new manhole. The road will be shut between ‘Snompers’ and ‘Redlands Cottage’ for roughly 80 metres. Works are scheduled to take place on April 7, with the route closed from 7am to 7pm. Although the job is expected to be completed in a single day, the legal order allows the closure to remain in place for up to 18 months if needed. Pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained throughout.

Meanwhile, in English Bicknor Parish, a short section of Tump Lane outside Whitehall Cottage will be closed to allow Severn Trent Water to carry out essential works. This 30‑metre stretch will close from 8am on April 7 until 5pm on April 8 . As with all planned closures, on‑site signage will direct motorists to alternative routes.

Residents in Littledean will also see disruption as The Ruffit is closed for the installation of new fibre‑optic cabling. This substantial 610‑metre section, running between ‘Wooden’ and ‘Mannings Well Cottage’, will be inaccessible from April 13-15, reopening at 4:45pm on the final day. The closure is part of ongoing digital‑infrastructure upgrades bringing improved connectivity to rural communities.

A shorter daytime closure is also planned in Drybrook Parish, where Drybrook Road will shut for overhead fibre works. The road will be closed on April 10, between 9:30am and 3:30pm, affecting around 112 metres near Cedar House. As elsewhere, pedestrian and emergency access will remain available.

Perhaps the most significant update, however, concerns Public Footpath FTM 77 in Tidenham Parish, where a long‑standing closure has been extended yet again. The path, blocked by an unstable cliff‑face collapse since June 2024, has already undergone multiple extensions.

With repair works still incomplete, the Secretary of State for Transport has now authorised another extension—this time until May 5 . No alternative route is available due to the nature of the terrain, though access to nearby properties will continue.

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

Residents seeking further details can contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk.