For more than two years, the road has been closed following a significant landslip left the road buried under tons of soil and trees. What followed was not simply a road closure, but a complex engineering and heritage challenge. KCC engineers have spent that time overcoming everything, from repeated landslips and unstable geology, to protected species and wartime infrastructure discovered within the cliff.
Now, with the executive decision enacted, KCC can focus on delivering the works. While this won’t be a quick fix, it marks the moment the project begins to move physically forward on the ground.
The works will include:
- Drilling of 974 soil nails (long steel rods) deep into the cliff face to pin the unstable soil and rock together, preventing further movement and collapse.
- Erosion control matting and mesh facing, which is a protective layer fixed to the cliff surface to stop loose material falling, reduce erosion from rain and wind, and work with the soil nails to keep the cliff stable.
- Drainage systems to redirect water away from the cliff face, reducing water pressure inside the ground (a major cause of instability).
- Shotcrete reinforcement at the crest to safeguard nearby homes (shotcrete is concrete sprayed at high pressure to form a strong protective layer on unstable surfaces).
“The Road of Remembrance is more than just a road, it’s a historic and symbolic part of the town.”
Linden Kemkaran, Leader of KCC, said: “The implementation of the executive decision marks a significant step towards reopening the Road of Remembrance.
‘We know how important it has been for residents, businesses and everyone who understands the history of this iconic route to see it reopened, and we want to thank you for your patience.
‘The Road of Remembrance is more than just a road, it’s a historic and symbolic part of the town. Reopening it has always been a priority for us, and today that commitment is becoming a reality.”
“This is specialist work in a challenging environment, and a project that was never going to be completed quickly.”
Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, added: “This is specialist work in a challenging environment, and a project that was never going to be completed quickly. Our teams have dealt with legal complexities, responded to further landslips during investigations, discovered protected species and preserved access to a historic war bunker – all the while developing the specialist engineering design for a permanent solution.
‘I’m really pleased that we are now a step closer to getting this road reopened. This will not only restore an important historic link but will also support local businesses and contribute to the wider economic regeneration of Folkestone.”
With the executive decision now implemented, KCC will move ahead with procuring specialist contractors and finalising the construction programme. Further details on timescales will be shared once those steps are complete.
