Motorists in the Forest of Dean face a series of temporary road closures and restrictions in the coming weeks, with Gloucestershire County Council confirming works across Ellwood, Awre, West Dean and St Briavels to facilitate development, infrastructure repairs and utility upgrades.

The most prolonged disruption will affect Ellwood Road, which is closed untll 2 March 2026, or until works are completed. The closure covers approximately 200 metres from the entrance by Ellwood Garage to the junction with Wood Edge Road, to allow highway works at the entrance to a new development. There will be no waiting, stopping, loading or unloading for the duration. An alternative route will be signed on site. While emergency access will be maintained, pedestrian access will not be provided as there is no footpath along this stretch.

In Awre Parish, a short-duration closure will affect Howells Lane for ditch maintenance. The road will be closed between January 15-16 from outside the property known as ‘Kites Nest’ to ‘The Old Inn’, covering around 250 metres. Although scheduled for two days, the legal order allows for an extension of up to 18 months if required, until the works are complete. No waiting, stopping, loading or unloading will be permitted during the works. Pedestrian access will be maintained with an escort, and emergency access will remain in place. Diversions will be signed on site.

Elsewhere, in West Dean Parish, Corner Road will be closed until February 13 for repairs to a retaining wall. The closure extends from the Corner Road/Pillowell Road T-junction to the end of Corner Road. As with other schemes, the order may be extended if necessary, though the council expects completion within the advertised window. Pedestrian and emergency access to premises on or adjacent to the road will be maintained, and diversion routes will be clearly signed.

Finally, in St Briavels Parish, a section of the Road from Birch Hill Road to the junction with Hilgay Road will be closed for BT Openreach works from January 19 to February 16. The affected stretch runs from ‘The Paddock’ to ‘Lymington House’.

Residents and road users are advised to plan ahead, follow on-site signage and allow extra time for journeys where diversions apply. For further details or updates, contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk.