Motorists across the Forest of Dean face weeks of disruption as Gloucestershire County Council rolls out a series of temporary road and footpath closures to carry out essential maintenance.

Multiple notices issued by the council set out a patchwork of affected routes, with works scheduled from early March and some lasting until completion—whenever that may be. The closures, made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, affect several rural lanes and village routes including sections of the A48, Lydney areas, Longhope, Lydbrook, Alvington and St Briavels.

One of the longest stretches includes temporary restrictions on Cinderford’s Naas Lane and parts of Coleford’s Mill Lane, where resurfacing and repair teams are scheduled to operate from March 10. Another closure covers Old Hill at Longhope, with a signed diversion planned through neighbouring villages.

The notices repeatedly emphasise that closures will remain in force “until the works are completed,” a phrase that may test drivers’ patience given the scale of the maintenance programme. Several of the works are weather-dependent, meaning further delays are possible.

Residents are advised to follow diversion signage, though many routes are narrow rural lanes expected to see heavier traffic as a result. Access for emergency services will be maintained throughout, the council says.

The affected stretches include roads adjacent to properties such as Talhaven, Nud Lamb Land and areas off Rock Road and New Road near Lydbrook. Footway closures are also included in the programme, with alternative pedestrian routes to be signposted on site.

The council is urging the public to check updates online or contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 for the latest information.

For now, drivers are encouraged to allow extra time—and pack a dose of patience—as the Forest of Dean braces for a spring of cones, diversions and rolling roadworks.

A Prestbury applicant is seeking permission to open a goods vehicle operating centre at The Stables, Bladon. A notice issued by the Traffic Commissioner confirms that Anthony Evans, of Bouncers Lane, wants approval to run and park vehicles on the site, close to Quarry House and Quarry Hill.

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

Anyone living or working nearby who believes they might be affected has almost two weeks left to lodge objections. Representations must also be copied to the applicant. Guidance and full details are available from the Traffic Commissioner, while the public register of applications is open for inspection online.