AFTER 16 long months the gateway between Drybrook and the A40 has finally reopened.

Since a major landslip in November 2012, motorists attempting to cross the Forest to Ross via Drybrook Cutting have been diverted adding at least 10 minutes onto their journeys.

Last Friday, Gloucestershire Highways opened the road following £150,000 geotechnical works with reinforced steel bars being drilled into the slope and bedrock below the road.

Initially highways workmen had to carry out work on the embankment at Hawthorns Road after the slip reached 100ft below the road and was next to a high-pressure gas main.

Trevor Griffiths, of Overbrook Garage at Drybrook has been one of several business owners affected by the road closure.

He said: "It has been amazing to use the Cutting again to reach our customers in Ross, however I can't help but think there is still room for improvement. I would have liked to seen a low Armco barrier installed to prevent vehicles from rolling over the side of the bank and there are a lot of large trees that grow out of the bank that holds the road – it will only take for one of them to fall and we will have the same problem again.

"I want to know why it has taken Highways as long as it has to open the road and what lessons they say they have learnt. I would estimate I have lost in the region of £20,000 since the road was shut and, at times wondered how on earth we would keep going, but I put it down to our loyal customers getting to us via the diversions.

"Most of our recovery lorries have been diverted and as 20 per cent of our work comes from the Ross area this has been a real problem."

Gloucestershire Highways is now in talks with police and the local haulage association about placing a weight restriction in the road to stop heavy goods vehicles using it. The suggestion comes from residents.

The county council said: "Any potential change to the use of the road would need to form part of a thorough consultation process. In the meantime, Highways welcomes comments from local people on 08000 514514."

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "I'm delighted that the road is now open following some very challenging work by teams to make sure it is safe for traffic.

"I would like to thank local people and businesses for their patience while this vital work was carried out."

Local member for Drybrook, Cllr Colin Guyton added: "I'm very pleased that the road is open – hopefully this work will ensure the road stays open for a good number of years to come."