We use cookies to collect information about how you use wiltshire.gov.uk. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services. Wiltshire Council has today (Wednesday 2 April) reopened the B4069 Lyneham Banks following a major landslip in February 2022, which broke up the road and moved it 25 metres downhill. Since that time, the council has been working hard to reopen the road, but it has been a long process due to the complexity of the engineering project. First the council had to wait several months until the road stopped moving before it could establish the cause of the landslip and assess the best way to rebuild the road to prevent the landslip reoccurring. Once that was work was completed, the council drew up detailed plans on several options to repair the road before engaging with stakeholders and appointing a contractor, Octavius Infrastructure, which started the repairs work in July 2024. Parvis Khansari, Corporate Director Place, said: "We're delighted that the B4069 Lyneham Banks has finally reopened after several years of hard work to both restore the road and introduce measures to prevent the land from slipping again. "The closure has had a real effect on the local community and we thank them for their patience and understanding during the work. "I'd also like to thank our officers and the team from Octavius Infrastructure, who have worked hard to deliver this project on time and on budget. "This reopening marks a significant milestone, ensuring safer and more reliable journeys for all who use the road." Chris Hudson, Operations Director of Octavius' highways business, said: "This was a challenge. About 90 metres of carriageway was lost. The hillside was still creeping when we commenced work, tackling such ground conditions demanded some creative solutions. But we are about bringing people together, so it was great to help reconnect communities affected by this lengthy road closure." More than 600 plants have been planted during the project. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page £5m project restores B4069 near Lyneham after landslip that briefly turned it into a playground for thrill-seekers A stretch of country road in Wiltshire that was so badly buckled in a landslip it became a hotspot for skateboarders and BMX riders has finally been fixed three years on The 140-metre stretch of the B4069 was broken up and shifted 25 metres downhill after heavy rain in February 2022 That meant misery for people living in and around Lyneham but it became a vibrant playground for thrill-seekers who enjoyed the angles and elevations created and used its wild undulations for spins put in a diversion and ordered people not to walk It warned them they could be in breach of a traffic order if they did so and be prosecuted For such a small stretch of road, it turned out to be a major engineering project costing about £5m but it was finally reopened to traffic on Wednesday The council said it had no choice but to repair the road rather than finding a new route because it carried more than 5,500 vehicles a day A painstaking fix began with months of assessment including drilling 31 boreholes and 21 trial pits as well as extensive sampling and monitoring of water levels and ground movement to establish the cause and extent of the landslip Analysis showed the landslip was probably caused by a combination of factors increased groundwater and additional loading owing to nearby development The repaired section of the B4069 at Lyneham Photograph: Tom Wren/SWNSThe council has stabilised a section of the hill that collapsed with the construction including installing a piled retaining wall and ground anchors A series of drainage systems has been installed in the area to help manage groundwater flows The council has tried to make the best of the project planners and surveyors on the scheme attend a careers fair in Wiltshire to inspire young people to join the industry College students were offered placements on the rebuild said: “We’re delighted that the B4069 Lyneham Banks has finally reopened after several years of hard work to both restore the road and introduce measures to prevent the land from slipping again “The closure has had a real effect on the local community and we thank them for their patience and understanding.” The B4069 at Lyneham Banks closed three years ago when it was severely damaged by a major landslip in the wake of Storm Eunice Wiltshire Council has since spent about £5m fixing the route The authority said it found that the landslip was probably triggered by factors like historic weaknesses and additional loading due to nearby development Cabinet member for highways Nick Holder said: ‘We're pleased to report that the work on the B4069 Lyneham Banks is progressing well and we are on schedule to reopen the road in the spring ‘We'll have more details on the exact reopening date in the coming months.’ New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners New partnership drives improved air quality and healthier homes in social housing ShuttleID launches 90-day free trial for local authorities Invision360 secures Innovate UK smart grant for VITA EHCP generator New technology to revolutionise air quality monitoring Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting 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once accommodated over 5,500 vehicles daily was closed following the landslip that displaced around 90m of the carriageway Following the February 2022 incident, Wiltshire Council had to wait several months until the road stopped moving before it could establish the cause of the landslip and assess the best way to rebuild the road to prevent the landslip reoccurring the council drew up detailed plans on several options to repair the road before engaging with stakeholders and appointing a contractor which started the repairs work in July 2024 Work to reinstate the road started in July 2024 Octavius completed the project on schedule and within its £5M budget The reopening ends lengthy detours for drivers and reconnects local communities previously split by the road’s closure To address these issues and prevent future incidents the project included the construction of a 108m-long contiguous bored pile retaining wall This wall consists of 120 reinforced concrete piles topped with a capping beam of 1.5m in height extensive drainage systems were installed both beneath the new carriageway and on the hillside above and below to manage water flow and reduce the risk of further subsidence the poor ground conditions presented challenges during the project preventing crews from replacing unstable soil—a method deemed ideal engineers had to compact the ground in a more time-consuming manner working in nine separate 10m sections along the carriageway The project was completed on time and on budget buried obstructions complicated the excavation process often requiring deeper digs to ensure the stability of the piling work The fragmented drainage installation mirrored these challenges Initial drains helped to dry out the ground allowing teams to return to areas and complete the full drainage system further constrained the pace and number of concurrent operations that could be performed The successful reopening of the B4069 not only restores an important transport route but also exemplifies the complexities involved in civil engineering projects that must contend with challenging geological conditions As the local community rejoices in the restoration of their road it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between infrastructure and the natural environment Octavius highways operations director Chris Hudson said: “This was a challenge The hillside was still creeping when we commenced work tackling such ground conditions demanded some creative solutions so it was great to help reconnect communities affected by this lengthy road closure.” Wiltshire Council corporate director place Parvis Khansari said: "We’re delighted that the B4069 Lyneham Banks has finally reopened after several years of hard work to both restore the road and introduce measures to prevent the land from slipping again “The closure has had a real effect on the local community and we thank them for their patience and understanding during the work “I’d also like to thank our officers and the team from Octavius Infrastructure who have worked hard to deliver this project on time and on budget “This reopening marks a significant milestone ensuring safer and more reliable journeys for all who use the road.” Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.  The Island Line on the Isle of Wight has returned to full… Peel Ports Group has announced the appointment of 18 contractors under a… Engineers from Network Rail and South Western Railway have uncovered a network… Construction has commenced on the Okehampton Interchange 15 August, 2024 By Octavius has revealed that specialist Van Elle will undertake a two-week CFA piling operation as part of the rebuild of a landslide-damaged road in Wiltshire The insight came as the main contractor for the reinstatement of the B4069 at Lyneham Banks gave an update on the project Octavius said Van Elle would drive anchor piles to depths of 14m using a 30t excavator as well as using a Soilmec SR30 drilling rig for CFA piling to a depth of 11m "The CFA piling method is generally vibration free and one of the quietest forms of piling," Octavius project manager Monty De Souza told local residents "It is used in environmentally sensitive areas and can be used in close proximity to existing buildings CFA piling activity is estimated to be two-week duration.” The contractor said in a newsletter that t had been "hard at work" on essential earthworks "This phase of the project primarily focuses on three critical activities: digging Octavius said excavating efforts had been "extensive" to prepare the ground for future construction "Our skilled crew has been carefully excavating to ensure that the foundation is ready to support the infrastructure we have planned," it added The contractor said upgrading drainage on the site was critical to protect its integrity "Our drainage improvement efforts involve installing new systems and enhancing existing ones to ensure that water flows efficiently away from critical areas." And it added that "selective vegetation removal" had been necessary to clear the way for construction "This process has been conducted thoughtfully with consideration for the local ecosystem." The 14.8km long B4069 Lyneham Banks in North Wiltshire has been closed since February 2022 when a landslide caused severe damage to the road The total landslide area measured around 100m in diameter while the block of material that moved was between 2m and 4m deep Wiltshire Council appointed consultant Atkins Réalis to undertake a site walkover so that the ground movement could be characterised for a geotechnical report A remediation solution was also informed by an observational ground model of the site which was produced by results from geomorphological mapping and a 2022 ground investigation Octavious was appointed to the rebuild earlier this year and its work will involve constructing a piled retaining wall with ground anchors and mid slope counterforts Construction costs for the solution are estimated at about £6M Want to read more? Subscribe to GE’s enewsletters and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Tagged with: BBGE recently installed 136 precast piles for a new cable sealing end compound as part of National Grid’s project to move 4.6km of overhead electricity lines underground in Wiltshire The April 2025 issue of Ground Engineering includes site reports on challenges at the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade scheme outside of Cork in Ireland and stabilisation measures on an A-road in Wiltshire The government has scrapped the £1.7bn Stonehenge tunnel scheme because it is “unaffordable” and will save £785M next year Octavius Infrastructure will start work to rebuild the landslide damaged B4069 at Lyneham Banks in Wiltshire this summer Sign in or Register a new account to join the discussion 20 June, 2024 By You have read 1 of 1 free-access articles allowed for 30 - days. For further access please register or log in. Greenway Training, a leading provider of land-based training near Lyneham, is celebrating its continued expansion thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Since its establishment in 2015, Greenway Training has quickly expanded its facilities to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, and grounds maintenance. Trainees from across the UK, including as far afield as Scotland, now attend the facility to gain essential qualifications for careers in the land-based sector. The funding has enabled the purchase of cutting-edge equipment, including a JCB telehandler and a woodchipper, ensuring Greenway Training maintains its high standards of accredited training and assessments. These investments are crucial in addressing the evolving needs of both local and national industries. This latest phase of growth is being supported by a grant under the Skills Infrastructure scheme, which is specifically designed to help private training providers and public educational establishments enhance their training capabilities. Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: It's exciting to see how local businesses are using their grants to drive growth and create new opportunities.   Greenway Training is a prime example of how continuous investment in facilities and equipment can drive growth while strengthening both community presence and reputation. Their commitment to attracting service leavers into the agricultural sector is particularly commendable, offering a valuable pathway for those transitioning to civilian life while addressing critical skills shortages in the industry. Supporting local businesses and their investments is crucial to driving economic growth in our community and by empowering these businesses to thrive, we are not only contributing to their success but also strengthening the economy. Charlotte Boole, Director of Greenway Training, expressed her gratitude, said: This incredible grant has provided a significant financial boost and reinforced our commitment to empowering individuals through skill development. We're excited about the positive impact this will have on the agricultural sector and beyond. The Skills Infrastructure scheme is a key component of the UK government's wider effort to invest in workforce development and support local economies. Greenway Training's expansion aligns with these goals, helping to equip the agricultural sector with the skilled professionals it needs to meet the challenges of the future. Work to repair a road in Wiltshire dubbed "Britain's wonkiest" will begin this summer Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the plans on Tuesday 4 June at a planning meeting at Trowbridge County Hall The "historically unstable" B4069 at Lyneham Banks, near Chippenham, was shut to all vehicles and pedestrians after a landslip in February 2022 Parts of the road fell more than 25 metres down the hillside and the route developed huge cracks with some BMX riders even using it as a playground - prompting safety warnings Wiltshire Council said it had a "legal duty" to work on options to repair the road and on Friday 10 May announced it has awarded the contract to rebuild it On Tuesday 4 June the project was given the final go-ahead Conservative MP for Lyneham could not attend the meeting approving the decision described the landslip as a “catastrophic event that has affected the lives of so many people” She added: “Residents have been waiting long enough.” adding that repair plans sound like a "very positive move forward" Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford-on-Avon South raised concerns about the stability of the rest of the carriageway “The whole area is very unstable - there could be parts along the same stretch that could experience the same issues,” she said Wiltshire Council's highways team assured councillors that the road will be closely monitored over the next few years to make sure any other problems are quickly identified It added that the road will last around 60 years It's expected that the B4069 at Lyneham Banks will reopen in spring 2025 20 March, 2024 By You have read 1 of 1 free-access articles allowed for 30 - days. For further access please register or log in The best local news sent straight to your inbox every workday Make a donation and support the future of journalism and media diversity in the ACT Police have seized four large cannabis plants a “significant quantity” of dried cannabis a small bag containing a white substance believed to be cocaine and about $13,000 in cash during a raid on a suspected grow house in Lyneham on Wednesday The four cannabis plants were found in the backyard and stood more than two metres tall They are believed to have been growing at this location for some years Police say no charges have been laid as a result of the search but that enquiries into the seized items are continuing there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free Become a supporter Wonderful to see our police at work. I agree that short videos of their search and seizing prohibited plants is a good idea. The article says this small but profitable horticulture venture was operating in Lyneham. Much easier money than running a native plant nursery. But how about the drug distribution house not far from the North Lyneham shops that has been operating for years. I have watched in wonderment as walkers, bike riders, taxis, cheap and expensive cars drop by so that users can be supplied. I get it that people have a need for chemical fixes. So I have assumed that it was a police sanctioned operation… What I don’t get is the police condoning this operation when there are so many school age kids next door and in the street. Hugh, I look forward to hearing a response/ seeing some action from the police. Voters have been cautioned not to expect a re-elected Albanese government to pursue bold new reforms despite Labor substantially increasing its majority. Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson had an interest in true crime and was a "super sleuth" in a Facebook group on Keli Lane, a jury has been told. Mountaineer Dr Rick Agnew has become the oldest Australian and first Canberran to climb the Seven Summits – the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents, reports ELIZABETH KOVACS. Make a donation and support the future of journalism and media diversity in the ACT. Get CityNews in your inbox. Daily. The best local news sent straight to your inbox every workday! Win HappyPremiumSearch Rayogreatest hitsswindonnewsLyneham man charged following serious sexual assaultWiltshire Police say he has since been remanded A man has been charged in connection with a serious sexual assault Police tell us the incident happened in Old Town has been charged with rape following the incident which occurred in the Dammas Lane car park during the early hours of June 30 "He has been remanded in custody and appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday (6/7) "He has since been remanded until his next court appearance which will be a PTPH on August 2 at Swindon Crown Court." Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app. Credit: ITV NewsWork to repair a road dubbed 'Britain's wonkiest road' after a huge landslip will begin in the summer The B4069 at Lyneham Banks, near Chippenham, was shut to all vehicles and pedestrians after a landslip in February 2022 badly damaged the road's surface Wiltshire Council has now announced it has awarded the contract to rebuild the road Work is due to begin in the summer of 2024 and the road is expected to be reopened in spring 2025 The council added that once the B4069 has reopened it will be undertaking repairs to the roads in the area where there has been an increase to traffic because of the closure Cabinet member for highways Cllr Nick Holder said: “We’re pleased to award thecontract to rebuild the B4069 at Lyneham Banks to Octavius after what has been adifficult time for the community Octavius committed to providing various localsocial benefits project newsletters andcommunity litter picks “We are committed to having well-connected communities in our Business Plan andthis rebuild project will reopen this road once again which will be a positive stepforward for the local community.” 11 January, 2024 By A 24-year-old man has been charged following the shooting of another man in North Lyneham on Friday Police were called to assist ambulance paramedics in Florey who were responding to a man who had received minor wounds from shotgun pellets police went to North Lyneham (where they believe the incident occurred) and took the 24-year-old man into custody He was charged with discharging a firearm – endangering life and assault occasioning actual bodily harm Anyone who witnessed the incident in the North Lyneham area before 12.20pm on Friday should call 1800 333000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Voters have been cautioned not to expect a re-elected Albanese government to pursue bold new reforms despite Labor substantially increasing its majority Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson had an interest in true crime and was a "super sleuth" in a Facebook group on Keli Lane Mountaineer Dr Rick Agnew has become the oldest Australian and first Canberran to climb the Seven Summits – the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents The best local news sent straight to your inbox every workday!