A busy road near Much Wenlock which has been plagued by rock falls is to be closed for further safety works. The A458 at Harley Bank will be closed on Sunday June 14 for the day.
Following works to stabilise the main rock face last summer, a number of small rock falls occurred as a result of the natural weathering process on the soft rock face.
The debris was largely contained by a specially provided ditch at the side of the road but in February this year, and again in April, substantial falls occurred at the eastern end of the cutting, away from the main face.
Shropshire Council’s consulting geologists are currently investigating the cause but early indications show they were due to “geological characteristics” which had not previously been apparent.
The stability of the main rock face is now being reassessed, and as a precaution against further large rock falls, the council has decided to carry out temporary protective works on June14
At the same time, the geologists will complete their “mapping” of the rock face to identify what permanent remedial action needs to be taken. During the road closure traffic will be diverted north on the A458 to Cressage, southeast on the B4380 to Eaton Constantine and Buildwas, southwest on the A4169 to Much Wenlock, and vice versa.
Following the closure, temporary traffic signals will be reinstated and HGV’s will remain diverted until any necessary permanent works can be carried out.
Bob Ellis, the council’s head of environmental maintenance, said: “I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure, but the safety of road users is our highest priority.”