The complex operation to fix 'UK's wonkiest road'
In February 2022 the B4069 Lyneham Banks in Wiltshire gave way, suffering a landslip after Storm Eunice.
It was closed and slipped even more, causing huge cracks in the surface and leading to it becoming a playground for BMX riders.
About 90 metres of the road was lost. That might not sound like much, but the fix has required some serious engineering - much more than just laying some tarmac.
In fact, the tarmacking and painting only took about a week. But what went before was far more complex, not least because the road was still slowly sliding away.
Wiltshire Council said it had to wait for the land to mostly stop moving before it could do much.
It also had to get a lot of ground investigations done, something the council has said was "absolutely necessary" and means the same problem should not happen again.
The new section of road and its supports has been designed to last around 120 years and took 25,000 work hours.
Contractors Octavius did the work, which the company perhaps understatedly described as "a challenge", starting in July 2024.
"The hillside was still creeping when we commenced work, and such ground conditions demanded some creative solutions," said Chris Hudson, operations director of Octavius' highways business.
Massive excavators and cranes were needed - something made trickier by being in a rural area with limited access to the site.
The repair crews also had extra issues with more wet weather and not wanting to make the slipping worse.
"We came with an initial plan - the access changed that plan several times. We adapted," said Mr Hudson.
More news stories for Wiltshire
Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire
He explained that masses of earth had to be taken away to make the area more stable.
Then a 108m-long huge retaining wall had to be put in place.
Big concrete pillars called bored piles - 120 of them - were put into the ground.
They go down 14 metres. To put that into perspective, most UK homes would not have foundations beyond a couple of metres into the earth.
A large beam was then put on top of those and the slope above and below the road was reshaped with new drainage, using 560m of drainage channels and grates and 1,000 tonnes of stone counterforts.
Altogether for the project, 650 cubic metres of concrete was needed and 2,370 bags of grout.
There have been finishing touches too - 600 new plants now run alongside the road.
The road would usually take around 5,500 vehicles a day, but for three years these have all been diverted through smaller villages.
Locals have said they are thrilled to have it re-open and Wiltshire Council has thanked the community for its patience
Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
UK's wonkiest road reopens after three-year closure
Repairs approved for Wiltshire's 'wonky road'
Residents concerned over B4069 Lyneham Banks repairs
Wiltshire Council

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Details released of bus service disruption
Bus services are set to be diverted and a free shuttle service set up as a full road closure comes into effect on a Wiltshire route. As reported at the start of this month, Winsley Hill, near Bradford on Avon, will shut to all traffic from July 21 to August 31 while Network Rail conducts 'urgent repairs' to a railways bridge. The rail company has also advertised a diversion, which would see motorists re-routed via the A36, the A361, and through central Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon. Wiltshire Council has now confirmed the closure of the road will also affect some bus services. The D1 bus service will be unable to operate its usual route and will take the more direct route between Bradford on Avon and Bath via Sally-in-the-Woods. (Image: Google Maps) To help passengers get to and from Bradford on Avon, there will be a free shuttle bus service, operated by Beeline, from Monday to Saturday during daytime hours between Winsley village and Bradford on Avon. Posters displaying the times of the free shuttle bus are on display at bus stops in Winsley and along Winsley Road in Bradford on Avon. Any passengers travelling to Bath from Winsley can take the free shuttle to Bradford on Avon and then change to the D1 or D1x at Christ Church, while passengers heading to Trowbridge can change at the Bradford on Avon Town Bridge. Suggested reading: Police ramp up bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in town Tesco plans to open new shop in town Police respond to 'disturbance in toilets' of town's shopping centre The D1 will continue to serve Winsley village and Winsley Road during the evening from 6.05pm onwards and all day on Sundays and public holidays. However, the diversion route will take longer, so there may be some small delays. The work is necessary to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the bridge and will involve 24/7 activity throughout the closure period. The proposed diversion route. (Image: Network Rail) A clearly signposted diversion route will be in place, and pedestrian access will be maintained under the bridge, although there may be brief overnight pauses managed by marshals. Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for Highways, said: 'We understand this closure will cause disruption, but these works are vital for public safety and the continued operation of the railway. 'We've worked closely with Network Rail to ensure alternative travel arrangements are in place, particularly for bus users. 'Throughout the closure, we will be monitoring the effect that this closure has on the local traffic network, particularly in the surrounding villages, and if required we will take appropriate action to mitigate any major traffic issues.'
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
Wiltshire in Pictures: Harvesting, minions and sun
It has been a busy week for Wiltshire photographers, with clear skies allowing the county to shine in all its glory. Meanwhile walkers braved the heat to raise more than £100,000 for Salisbury Hospital's Stars Appeal, a time capsule was buried at Longleat, and new mobile library vans were unveiled. Nightlight: The clear nights allowed the moon to shine so bright that farmer David White could capture magical scenes on the Marlborough Downs. Out in force: More than 2,000 people took part in a sponsored walk for Salisbury Hospital's Stars Appeal at Wilton House on Sunday, some in fancy dress such as minions costumes. Many of those taking part dedicated their walk to loved-ones and more than £100,000 was raised. Time after time: A time capsule was sealed at Longleat to mark the building of a new hippo complex. Dignitaries including Wiltshire Council leader Ian Thorn and Mayor of Warminster Andrew Cooper were in attendance. A wheel-y good read: Wiltshire Council has launched new mobile library vans, which will help to improve rural and residential access to books. The vehicles will serve 318 stops and are wheelchair-accessible. Golden glow: BBC Weather Watcher Mark from Bishopstone captured this arable scene in the early morning, with crops almost ready for harvesting. Reflections: At the opposite end of the county, snaphappydave has been wandering the meadows of Salisbury on the hunt for photographic perfection. He captured this image of a leaning tree, mirrored in a calm river. View from a horse: As temperatures heat up over the weekend, the already parched fields of west Wiltshire will turn increasingly brown. BBC Weather Watcher G Man captured this patchwork effect from above Westbury White Horse. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Wiltshire in Pictures: A star visits and baking sun Wiltshire in Pictures: Steeds and sunrises Wiltshire in Pictures: Special solstice sunrise
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Video: Golden Retriever Cleverly Gets Back Car's Window Seat
The best part about car rides is sitting near the window seat. Being able to enjoy the outside view and feel the fresh air hits differently during such rides. Even for this Golden Retriever, Hudson, having a window seat is a must during car travel. That is why, when his favorite place gets hijacked by his human friend, this pooch uses clever tricks to reclaim his spot. The owner has even shared the Golden Retriever's tactic video on Instagram, showing what Hudson does to get back his window seat without throwing tantrums. Winning with Golden Retrievers is not easy. These sassy fur babies apply every trick in the book to claim what's theirs. Even Hudson is no exception. This Golden Retriever loves peeking outside and catching the breeze during car rides. However, when his human friend hijacks his window seat, instead of barking or biting, this pooch uses simple tricks to reclaim his seat, hinting at why you should 'Never block a Golden Retriever from a window seat.' The video, uploaded by @hudsonbegood, shows Hudson dropping 'subtle hints' at his hooman brother to get his seat. He first sits in front of him before gently pushing and nudging his brother to move from the spot. When these tricks fail, the 'goodest Golden' resorts to 'POUTING' as the last resort. And in no time, the pooch finally gets what he wants — the window seat. Echoing his emotions, even the pet parents wrote in the caption, 'Always get what I want.' The video of the Golden Retriever using subtle tactics to get a window seat immediately garnered a lot of praise from the netizens. Many were impressed by Hudson's presence of mind. One person wrote, 'Hudson is so pleased with himself at the end.' Another user mentioned, 'Anyone with a Golden knows it's their way or the highway.' Meanwhile, another individual commented, 'Hudson is rather insistent!' Since the upload, the funny video has fetched more than 14K likes at the time of writing. The post Video: Golden Retriever Cleverly Gets Back Car's Window Seat appeared first on DogTime.