Work to stabilise the rock face at Harley Bank

The A458 at Harley Bank near Much Wenlock will be closed from the 30 June 2008 for six weeks, to allow Shropshire County Council’s contractors to safely remove 16,000 tonnes of unstable rock.

Investigation work last year found that the rock face was unstable and that it needs to be reshaped for safety reasons. This rock cutting will also mean that Harley Bank will be widened, allowing contractors to reposition the road to avoid future disruption.

Whilst this narrow section is closed, northbound traffic will be able to gain access along the A4169 to Buildwas, north on the B4380 to Eaton Constantine Cross Roads, west to Cressage and south on the A458 and vice versa for southbound traffic. The road is expected to re-open on the 10 August 2008.

John Everall, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience these essential works will cause. We hope to complete them in the shortest possible time, with the minimum amount of disruption.

“After considering all possible options, the closure of the road was found to be the only suitable choice, to ensure the safety of the workforce and future road users.”

11 June 2008