AS PART of a countywide initiative, the second phase of the annual resurfacing work is underway, with completion expected by March 2025.

Residents across the Forest of Dean can expect smoother journeys as Gloucestershire County Council continues its ambitious road resurfacing programme.

Supported by a £100 million investment over four years, this year’s resurfacing efforts have also received an additional £2.8 million from central government, thanks to funding reallocated from the HS2 project. The council is prioritising both rural and urban areas, aiming to improve over 150 roads across the region.

Councillor Dom Morris, cabinet member for highways and flooding, emphasised the council's commitment to maintaining local infrastructure: “We’re rolling out resurfacing of rural roads, as well roads in our towns and cities. We carry out resurfacing all-year-round, working day and night, at more than 150 sites across the county. Improving your roads is a top priority for the council. That’s why we’re delivering a Highways transformation programme and we are working at full steam to create better journeys for everyone in Gloucestershire.”

Locally, several key roads in the forest are part of the upcoming resurfacing efforts, ensuring safer and smoother travel for residents and visitors alike.

Among the projects, the B4215 from Gloucester Street to Malswick Cottages in Newent will receive significant attention, Glebe Close is also included in the resurfacing schedule, bringing much-needed updates to this residential road.

In Staunton, the stretch from the junction at Makepeace to Bartlidges Barn will be resurfaced along with the busy B4227 Forest Vale Road Roundabout in Cinderford.

Mitcheldean’s Spout Lane is also part of the programme, with resurfacing works expected to improve the condition of this well-used road. Finally, the road from Gurshill Farm to Purton, which serves the areas of Lydney and Awre, will also receive an upgrade.