A449 Wells Road, Malvern
A section of the A449 Wells Road between British Camp car park and Little Malvern has been closed since Monday 8 September to allow for works on essential highway repairs.
This work is needed to stabilise a 30-metre stretch of road that has been affected by long-term subsidence. Earlier this year, a gas main was diverted to prepare for these works.
A signed diversion is currently in place via Welland, Rye Cross and Bradlow, supported by variable message signs. The road will remain closed until the project is completed, which is planned for April 2026.
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 and construction workers alike
- maintain this important route for the future
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these complex repairs as safely and efficiently as possible.
April 2026 update
Works on the programme were completed on 24 April. The stabilisation work has strengthened this section of the road and is expected to provide a more reliable surface for the foreseeable future. The road closure also allowed several additional highway repairs to be carried out during the same period.
Due to an unexpected and unrelated new landslip, the current road closure has been extended whilst we undertake a geotechnical ground investigation (GI) to inform the next steps. Once this GI investigation has been completed and the results analysed by our engineering advisors, we will be in a better position to decide further actions. It remains too early to give any possible re-opening dates for the road, but we will update as soon as more information becomes available.
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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