Eurovia has completed a six-month project to rebuild a landslide-affected stretch of road in western England.

Its South West Highways division finished main works on the A40 near Dursley Cross in Gloucestershire last week.

This allowed traffic to return to the section between Saunders Close and Sterrys Lane for the first time since August, reports Ground Engineering.

Although the westbound carriageway remains closed, the road is operating in both directions using traffic signals.

Once replanting and demobilisation work is complete next month, both lanes will be open for the first time since the landslide occurred in February 2021.

The first 18 months were spent assessing the damage, carrying out detailed surveys and reducing water levels on site.

The last six months have been dedicated to rebuilding the embankment and carriageway, which required complete closure of the road.

National Highways Geotechnical Engineering Team Manager Guy Swains said he was “delighted” to reopen the “vital stretch of road”.

“Thanks to the design-and-build nature of the partnership with South West Highways, we were able to move straight from design into construction, saving valuable time and helping us to complete the work as quickly as possible,” said Swains.

“We appreciate the roadworks and diversions have been frustrating but it was essential we carried out this complex repair work under a full closure for safety.”

Eurovia Operations Manager David King said: “It has certainly had its challenges in terms of weather and restricted site access, but we’re delighted to have overcome these to deliver the scheme on time and within budget,” he said.