Following a major landslip caused by Storm Eunice, huge chunks of a road were broken up and cracked – pushing it 25 metres downhill and turning it into a playground for BMX enthusiasts
A ‘complex’ mission to fix the UK’s ‘wonkiest’ road has finally reopened, three years after a major incident.
Huge chunks of the B4069 Lyneham Banks in Wiltshire were broken up and cracked back in February 2022 due to a landslip caused by Storm Eunice. This occurs when the ground becomes so saturated with water following long periods of rain that the earth becomes heavier – and water forces apart grains of soil so they no longer lock together.
The landslide, which moved the road 25 metres downhill, meant the road was ‘impossible’ to drive on – and quickly became a playground for BMX riders. But, fixing the road wasn’t as exhilarating for the council – who had to wait several months until the road stopped moving before they could even establish the best way to rebuild it.
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After assessing the full extent of the incident, Wiltshire Council drew up plans on several options to repair the road and prevent the landslip from reoccurring. Octavius Infrastructure then commenced works in July last year.
The mammoth task cost around £5 million (including the design, construction, land cost, risk allowance, and further repairs) and involved pouring 650 cubic metres of concrete and 2,370 bags of grout into the ground. 1,500 cubic metres of excavated ground was re-used in the project, while more than 600 plants were planted in the area.
After 7,500 tonnes of stone and 25,000 person-hours of construction, the road finally reopened to the public on Wednesday, April 2. The repairs have been designed to last for around 120 years.
“We’re delighted that the B4069 Lyneham Banks has finally reopened after several years of hard work to both restore the road and introduce measures to prevent the land from slipping again,” Parvis Khansari of Wiltshire Council said back in April. “The closure has had a real effect on the local community and we thank them for their patience and understanding during the work.
“I’d also like to thank our officers and the team from Octavius Infrastructure, who have worked hard to deliver this project on time and on budget. This reopening marks a significant milestone, ensuring safer and more reliable journeys for all who use the road.”
Chris Hudson, Operations Director of Octavius’ highways business, described the project as a ‘challenge’ – pointing out that around 90 metres of carriageway had been lost due to the landslip. “The hillside was still creeping when we commenced work, tackling such ground conditions demanded some creative solutions,” he added. “But we are about bringing people together, so it was great to help reconnect communities affected by this lengthy road closure.”
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