A449 Wells Road, Malvern
Information about essential highway repairs on the A449 Wells Road, Malvern following two landslides.
Works were completed in April 2026 on a section of the A449 Wells Road between British Camp car park and Little Malvern to repair damage caused by a landslide in that area.
This work was needed to stabilise a 30-metre stretch of road that was affected by long-term subsidence.
A second landslide occurred several hundred metres away during the latter stages of the works, meaning it was, and continues to be, unsafe to reopen the road.
A signed diversion is currently in place via Welland, Rye Cross and Bradlow, supported by variable message signs.
We understand that road closures and diversions can be frustrating. However, these works are essential to:
- ensure the long-term safety and stability of the A449
- protect road users
- ensure investigation works for the new landslide can take place
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we carry out these investigations and any subsequent works as safely and efficiently as possible.
Further updates will be provided below as the outcome of the investigation works and solution designs are available.
May 2026 update
Following engineering assessment, detailed Ground Investigation (GI) for the second landslip, is set to start in early June and is expected to last up to 6 to 8 weeks. The road closure has been extended to reflect this and will continue to be reviewed. Once the ground investigation is complete, and the results analysed by our engineering advisors, we will be in a better position to decide further actions.
February 2026 update
February marked a major milestone for the Wells Road stabilisation project, with the successful completion of all pile foundations. Work has now progressed to the construction of the reinforced concrete retaining wall, which will provide critical support for the new road structure.
The project continues to progress in line with the programme, and the road remains on track to reopen at the end of April.
January 2026 update
To date, more than half of the carriageway has been excavated to a significant depth to allow for the installation of the required foundation pilings.
December 2025 update
As of the 11 December, currently, around half of the 12m long mini-piles have now been successfully installed, with piling works due to continue into the new year. The installation of all 64 piles is scheduled to be completed by the end of January 2026. Works will then focus on the construction of the 30m long retaining wall, with the road due to reopen at the end of April 2026.
September 2025 update
Our contractor, Alun Griffiths Ltd, is fully mobilised on site and work is progressing according to schedule:
- the team has excavated and removed over 1,000 tonnes of material (around 50 lorry loads)
- platforms for the pile foundations have been created
- piling works are now underway and are expected to continue until around Christmas
Because of the site鈥檚 steep terrain, ancient woodland surroundings, and the presence of protected species, construction access is limited to the lower end of the road. This means work must proceed in a careful, end-to-end sequence. Once piling is complete, construction will begin on a reinforced concrete retaining wall, which will secure and strengthen the road for many years to come.
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