18th July 2014
The Lone Lane stabilisation project was finally completed on Wednesday evening (16th July) and the road is now finally open after its 6 month closure.
16th June 2014 Just thought I would let you know that the repairs to the gabion wall are now complete and we can move forward with the rock netting and anchors on the upslope. The design for this has been finalised today and the contractor is to start work this Wednesday. It is expected to take approximately two weeks to install the netting etc. at which time we will be able to open the road again.
Stephen Baldwin Project Engineer, Infrastructure & Projects Monmouthshire County Council
May 9th 2014 The consultant confirmed yesterday that we will require netting and anchors to ensure that the slope above the road is stable enough to reopen. This will take time to organise but in the meantime it looks as though that we will have to repair the gabion wall below the road to allow the rock netting to be installed. Subject to arranging suitable safety precautions for the workmen onsite (fencing/barrier at the bottom of the slope to catch potential loose stones/rocks etc.)
We are hoping to start the repairs to the wall later next week and hopefully followed by the rock netting installation. I met with the contractor yesterday who is able to start as soon as the consultant provides details and design of the safety fencing. The works could take about 2-3weeks depending upon availability of the specialist plant required for the netting but as soon as I have more specific timescales I will let you know.
Stephen Baldwin Project Engineer, Infrastructure & Projects Monmouthshire County Council
8th March 2014 Despite it being now cleared of debris, Lone Lane is still officially closed by the landslip described in previous reports below. Allen and Caroline Davis are carrying out some further felling of leaning trees on Monday 10th March along the whole stretch from The Boat to The Roaring Spout. This will coincide with the work being done in Glyn Road, already reported.
Allen writes “I think most people affected have seen that we have, at personal expense, removed most of the slip materials on and above the road. Below the road our contractors moved what they could from above, but conditions in the riverside meadow preclude getting equipment there to complete the task until later in the year. MCC have NOT re-opened the road, as their consultants still want a thorough inspection of the gabions that support the road, want more trees felled, and seem exercised by a 3-4 ton boulder that sits on a ledge above the road in the centre of the slip area.”
Landowner Allen Davis writes (January 22nd): “I’m getting quotes for doing the work, which is complicated by needing both foresters and diggers/dumpers. Also, MCC have requirements for insurance cover and qualifications that are quite specific. They also reiterated that we should let it dry out more before commencing. I met with MCC and their consultants last week, and they are concerned about more stuff falling from above, either spontaneously or when clearing up starts. They are very exercised about people attempting to climb through the slip because of the former.
I’m afraid it is going to be a bit of time before it’s sorted.”
A major landslide occurred a hundred metres to the north of the Boat Inn on January 1st, which has blocked the road locally known as Boat Road but (confusingly) called Lone Lane by some authorities. MCC workmen were due to clear the blockage on January 2nd, but the task proved greater than anticipated and the road remains blocked at the time of writing (evening January 3rd). Access to the Boat Inn is still possible directly down Lone Lane from Croes Faen but is not possible via Glyn Road. The map below shows the site of the landslip.
Allen & Caroline Davis write (January 3rd): “MCC Highways are engaged in obtaining a geological assessment of the slip zone to inform their actions to remove the debris. A site visit took place late yesterday, but apparently a further one will take place before a report is prepared. I think they are also concerned about starting to clear the road in the current weather conditions.
We have been advised that we are liable for the removal costs and also any bank stabilisation costs. We will also need to assess felling of any other trees that might have been destabilised by the slip and, ideally, get those attended to whilst the road is closed.”