Repairs to start on A431 landslip

Bath & North East Somerset Council is set to start the next phase of work to permanently repair the A431 Kelston Road following exhaustive geological tests of the landslip site.

The final results have been used by geotechnical engineers to determine the full extent of the works required.

The project brings a number of significant logistical challenges due to the size, type and specialist equipment required as well as the considerable volume of material required to complete the work.

The council will be working closely with its highway maintenance contractor to start work on site in July – with completion of the overall project to be achieved before Christmas 2014.

The land has only just stopped moving which was a pre-requisite before work could begin.

Cllr Caroline Roberts, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council’s priority has always been to achieve a permanent solution which means we need not suffer such problems in the future.

“We have every sympathy with road users, residents and businesses that have been affected by the Kelston Road closure. It has been an intensely frustrating time for them.

"We have been working hard to ensure that the repair works carried out are as effective, efficient and practical as possible.

"We’ve taken the best advice to ensure that this scheme meets those criteria, and we are committed to keeping the public informed.

“The Council has made a second request to all the utility companies asking them to complete any planned work on the Kelston Road during the road closure period in order to avoid any disruption after the works are completed.”