Road of Remembrance, Folkestone

Last updated: 7 August 2026

Major engineering works to stabilise the collapsed cliff above the Road of Remembrance in Folkestone are now underway.

The route has been closed since a landslip on 27 January 2024 buried the road under soil and vegetation and left the cliff face unstable.

Following extensive site investigations, ecological surveys and engineering design work, construction works began on 5 May 2026 to deliver a long-term solution that will allow the road to be safely reopened.

Construction progress

Since works began, significant progress has been made on site, including:

• setting up the construction site and establishing work areas in gardens at the top of the cliff
• removing vegetation from the slope to provide access for specialist works
• clearing the road below the cliff face to accommodate large plant and equipment, including a 36-tonne long-reach excavator and an 80-tonne high-reach excavator
• beginning soil nailing works, a key element of the cliff stabilisation scheme
• completing a carefully managed badger relocation programme in accordance with ecological requirements and environmental permits.

What the works will involve

The proposed scheme has been designed to provide a permanent and resilient solution on this challenging site. The work would include:

• installing 974 soil nails - long steel rods drilled deep into the cliff to hold unstable material in place and prevent further movement
• adding erosion control matting and mesh facing. This is a protective layer fixed to the cliff surface to stop loose material failing and reduce erosion from wind and rain
• improving drainage on the slope to divert water away from the cliff face and reduce water pressure in the ground
• applying shotcrete at the top of the cliff. Shotcrete is concrete sprayed at high pressure to form a strong protective layer on unstable surfaces. This will create a reinforced layer to protect the cliff top and nearby homes.

A complex and sensitive site

The works must be carefully planned and delivered by specialist contractors because of:

• the steep slope
• protected wildlife
• nearby residential properties
• historic features around the site.

Extensive environmental measures have been put in place before and during construction to meet ecological requirements. Teams continue to work closely with ecological and archaeological specialists throughout the project.

We will share further updates here as the project moves forward.

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.

Folkestone events

We 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 route changes where required.

We understand the Road of Remembrance closure continues to be an inconvenience for residents, businesses and visitors in Folkestone. We would like to thank the community for its continued patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out. Public safety remains our highest priority as we deliver this important scheme.

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