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.

We are due to begin ground investigation works on the Road of Remembrance now that required pre-works have been completed.

The investigations are programmed to start on Monday 9 September for a duration of three weeks.

Ground investigations are done to test the material properties of a site. The results of these works will ensure that the stabilisation method used is sufficient to prevent future deterioration.

We have been working with specialist geotechnical contractors and the adjoining landowners to resolve the many complexities surrounding the ground investigations phase of this project.

Some of the challenges included land ownership, archaeology, ecology, and restricted access for larger testing equipment.

We are pleased to confirm that these have now been worked through by contractors resourcing specialist equipment and the adjoining landowners allowing access for us to undertake testing within private land.

What we’ve already done

Since mid-June, crews have been on the Road of Remembrance and The Bayle undertaking pre-works to facilitate the upcoming investigations works.

Tree surgeons are currently exposing the embankment to the west by removing trees and vegetation to prove the extent of the landslip.

Civil contractors have undertaken the excavation and installation of eight launch pits to allow for borehole sampling and cone penetration testing to ensure delays are not encountered due to buried structures or services.

Road closure and diversion route

The road closure period is 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.

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: 13 August 2024

Folkestone events

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.

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