PLANS look set to be approved to spend £2.5 million on a new major project on a key road into Wotton.

Gloucestershire County Council have revealed their plans to stabilise land and repair a section of the B4058, also known as Rushmire Hill - near Cotswold Edge Golf Club.

The key route connects Wotton with nearby areas such as Nailsworth, Stroud and Tetbury.

The road has been subject to repeat disruption due to unstable ground and has been investigated by officials since September 2016. 

Over the years, different phases of resurfacing have been carried out to maintain road access, the county council says. 

The proposed scheme includes installing a sheet piled retaining wall as well as carriageway reconstruction.

According to a GCC cabinet report, it is believed the project will ensure the “long-term stability” of the road and prevent the risk of “catastrophic failure”. 

Work is hoped to start in March 2025 and is expected to finish in autumn 2025. 

The report also states GCC will be seeking a contractor in October 2024 to design and implement ground stabilisation. 

Officials say investigation and design will cost £0.6 million, while construction will cost £1.9 million.

Gloucestershire County Council is planning to spend £2.5 million to fix subsidence on the B4058 at Rushmire Hill  (Image: Gloucestershire County Council)

A council document reads: “The B4058 carriageway on Rushmire Hill has been affected by cracking and subsidence since it was first inspected in September 2016

“Intervention now will prevent further movement and the risk of more catastrophic failure, which risks resulting in a longer and more costly repair programme. 

“Work is therefore seen as a priority for investment when considered against other priorities.

“Construction works will be challenging due to numerous site constraints such as land
ownership, ground conditions and limited working space due to the failing carriageway.”

Cllr Dom Morris, Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding, said: “We’re investing in our roads to prevent traffic delays and deliver smoother journeys. 

“We look forward to appointing an expert contractor to carry out the challenging work to stabilise the road.  
 
“Along with an extensive programme of resurfacing and with new pothole repair machines working across the county, it’s our priority to create better journeys for everyone in Gloucestershire.”

The works are due to be discussed by GCC’s cabinet on Wednesday, July 24.