ROADS chiefs performed a rapid U-turn on the timing of the closure of one of the main routes into and out of the Forest after protests from motorists.

The original plan for the A48 resurfacing work lasted precisely one day after a closure of nearly 12 hours caused mayhem on surrounding minor roads.

Gloucestershire County Council and contractors Amey had planned to close the main entry point to the south of the Forest between Monday last week and Friday, May 6 from 7.30am and 7pm to allow resurfacing of the A48 between Woolaston and Stroat.

But despite signs directing traffic around Monmouth or the M5, on the first morning of the works many motorists headed onto the B4226 St Briavels road.

There were particular problems near Tutshill School and at several points, there were reports of lorries being barely able to squeeze past each other.

Following protests – including from Forest MP Mark Harper – the closure period was immediately shortened to six hours from 9.30am until 3.30pm, although it means the works will now continue until Tuesday, May 12.

Speaking on the first day of the roadworks, the county council’s Cabinet member for highways, Cllr Vernon Smith (Con, Tewkesbury East), said the closure had “caused more problems than expec­ted.”

He said: “I was very concerned to hear about the disruption in parts of the Forest of Dean. 

“The works on the A48 are an important part of our investment into improving the condition of Gloucestershire’s roads – but this has clearly caused more problems than expected.

“From tomorrow (Tuesday, April 19), the works will only be operating outside peak hours. 

“While this will extend the duration of the scheme, we hope that it will lessen the impact on residents and businesses.”

Mr Harper said he contacted the county council after a number of people complained to him about a lack of notice and confusing signage.

He said: “The lack of notice to local residents and commuters of the closure of such a major route is totally unsatisfactory.

“There is a pressing need to resurface the road, meaning that the work can’t be postponed completely.

“However, this change will hopefully reduce the impact of the roadworks for most people using the road.

“Once the work is done, the new surface will improve the road for commuters, and should hopefully not need major work for another 20 years.”

Small signs were put up on the affected part of the road in the weeks leading up to the works but they only gave dates not times.

Businesses on the affected stretch say they are open as normal despite the closure while the man who runs llama trekking says a group of people were badly delayed because signs do not make it clear the road is open on weekends.

Lyndon Edwards, of the Hanley Farm Shop, said: “The signs and cones give the impression that that there is no access to the many businesses along the road but we are all indeed open for business as usual.

“Coming from Chepstow – ignore the signs and cones and drive straight to us but if you’re coming from Lydney follow diversion signs.

Alistair Fraser, who runs llama treks, said a party that had come over the Severn Bridge on Sunday were delayed by two hours after following diversion signs around Monmouth.

The Review has been keeping readers up-to-date throughout the week on its website, www.theforestreview.

co.uk, and there have been many comments about the situation.

Among them was one from ‘Mary’ who wrote: “Appalling road closure – no info online on GCC roadworks map, no clear diversion southbound, road closure sign where you can’t divert or turn around.

“Had to carry on driving through it this morning along with about 20 others...Epic fail.”