Motorists across the Forest of Dean are being warned to expect delays and diversions as Gloucestershire County Council prepares for a series of temporary road closures throughout late August and early September.

Several roads will be closed for essential maintenance, utility works, and infrastructure improvements, with closures impacting both urban and rural areas.

In Cinderford, Heywood Road will be shut from its junction with High Street near the car park entrance from September 3-9 for the installation of EV chargers.

Nearby in Ruardean, Varnister Road will be closed outside No. 30 until August 21, also for Severn Trent works, while Stephens Place in Coleford will see a short closure of 20 metres from August 21-22

A longer closure will affect the C355 between Green Lodge and Blackpool Bridge in West Dean due to flood-related works. This stretch of road—approximately 700 metres—will be closed until today (Wednesday)

In Lydney, part of Primrose Hill will be shut on August 21 for overhead pole replacement works. Meanwhile, Ley Lane in Westbury-on-Severn will be closed overnight (11pm–5am) on September 2-3 for annual level crossing maintenance.

Further closures include:

  • Hanley Lane in Tidenham from September 1-3 for Severn Trent work.
  • Heywood Road in Cinderford from September 3-9 for EV charger installation.
  • C46 (Hayden Farm to Strand Lane) in Westbury-on-Severn on September 4-5 for drainage works.

Additionally, a rolling programme of closures and restrictions will affect various parishes from August until to March 2026, as part of highway maintenance works carried out by Ringway. Dates and locations will be advertised in advance at affected sites.

Pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained throughout, except at Ley Lane due to safety restrictions. Diversions will be clearly signed on site.

Residents and road users are encouraged to plan ahead and check updates at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk or call 08000 514 514 for further information.

Local plan drop in sessions

Drop-in sessions to discuss The Forest of Dean District Council’s new local plan which which sets how the needs of the district will be provided for and how the environment will be protected up to 2043 will be held at Tidenham Memorial Hall in Tutshill, today (Wednesday) from 3 pm to 6.30 pm and Coleford District Council Offices, on Tuesday, August 26 from 3pm to 6.30pm.

Dates for Staunton/Corse and Churcham are to be confirmed.