Motorists in Gloucestershire will be forced to battle a 10-mile diversion with a popular route set to be closed for six months in just a matter of weeks.
Work will begin on a section of the B4058, at Rushmire Hill near Wotton-under-Edge after reports of an unstable surface.
Officials hope the “large-scale repair” project will help to ensure the “long-term stability of the road” for years to come.
The project is set to get underway in early 2025 with a rough completion date of next Autumn.
The scheme is set to cost a staggering £2.5billion but the work is hoped to prevent “traffic delays” when solved.
The council claims the route has been the subject of “repeat disruption due to unstable ground”.
Cllr Dom Morris, Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding, explained: “We’re investing in our roads to prevent traffic delays and deliver smoother journeys. We look forward to appointing an expert contractor to carry out the challenging work to stabilise the road.
“Along with an extensive programme of resurfacing and with new pothole repair machines working across the county, it’s our priority to create better journeys for everyone in Gloucestershire.”
The route can be popular with HGV drivers with the link road allowing access to the region while avoiding the busy M4 motorway.
The Old London Road, a popular route locals use to avoid the town centre, is also set to close for repair.
The closure of the routes is set to cause uproar with motorists forced into an extra 10-mile round trip.
According to experts, drivers will sent five miles north out of their way into Dursley on the A4135 as part of the diversion.
Traffic will then be turned around and travel the exact distance back southwards on the B4060.
The news has stunned locals with some suggesting the closures would have a massive impact.
According to Punchline Gloucester, Rhona Crew said: “I can’t see how this is allowed to be closed for six months… The impact to businesses and travel will be devastating.”
Meanwhile, local resident Steve Edwards added: “It’s going to be terribly inconvenient and have a significant impact on business.”
