Details have been revealed of work to prevent future rockfalls onto the A40 near the England-Wales border. National Highways is to install steel mesh and bolts across the slope on Leys Bend on the stretch crossing from Herefordshire into Monmouthshire.

Part of the road, blocked due to rockfall last year, will be reopened once the work has been carried out, says the BBC.

The scheme, initially planned to be completed by the end of summer, is now expected to finish by winter, said National Highways.

National Highways Route Manager, Joseph Walmsley, said it was not an option to clear the rocks away without ensuring future safety.

“Careful and considered steps are required so that we can protect people using our roads, not just now but for many years to come. To that end, we’ve carried out extensive surveys to first help us stabilise the area affected by the rockfall and then enable us to design a permanent solution which will prevent further rockfalls here.

“Our experts are now finalising the complex engineering solution that will protect this area.”

The contraflow system that has kept the road open in both directions will remain in place until the works are finished.

(Pic: National Highways)