Road of Remembrance, Folkestone

In the early hours of 27 January 2024, we received a call to clear fallen trees which had been reported to be blocking the road. Highways officers arrived to find the fallen trees appeared to have been caused by a landslip. The removal of the trees had to be halted until further investigations were carried out. Further landslips have taken place since then, slowing our rate of progress.

What we're doing

We have closed the road to protect the public from future landslips. The road closure will be in place until a full structural assessment is complete and we can trace and contact the various owners of the cliff-face.

We have removed the dead or dying trees on the northern side of Road of Remembrance. This is to make sure the risk of future landslips is reduced, although it is accepted future landslips could occur.

We are working with specialist embankment contractors and reviewing all options for stabilisation. We need to do more work and investigations to understand the makeup and geology of the embankment. We will do what is necessary as quickly as possible, however it is a complex matter, with a likely complex solution.

Therefore, we have taken the difficult decision to extend the road closure period to the end of 2024. This is simply an administrative process, as part of the formal road closure. It is not an indication of when we will open the road again. We will only re-open the road once it is safe to do so.

We are aware events taking place over the coming months will be affected by this closure and advise event organisers to get in touch with Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) via Apply4. We are working closely with event organisers and FHDC to support with route changes.

We cannot provide any further updates on how long we will close the road for, or how we will remedy the situation. If you have any concerns about the effect on your property or business, contact your insurer.

Road closure and diversion route

Signed diversion routes are in place.

View the diversion route on our roadworks map.

Pedestrians should use the High Street as a diversion in both directions.

Last updated: 10 May 2024