Work to stabilise a road surface on the A46 by Coopers Hill is under way.

A section of the road, about 1km south of Brockworth, has been suffering from subsidence caused by landslips and needs to be strengthened to prevent further deterioration.

Engineers have started drilling into the ground and filling the holes with concrete and reinforced steel structures.

Forty-two of these foundations will be installed, reaching a depth of 12.5m and will be placed along a 90m area.

New sections of drainage will also installed and the road will be fully rebuilt.

Contractors Walters UK LTD are carrying out the work, which is funded by £1.2 million given to the county council from the Department for Transport’s infrastructure investment fund.

Work started on January 4 and will finish on April 23. The A46 will be fully closed until March 31, and this will be followed by lane closures as construction continues.

A diversion is in place during the closure via the A4173 and A417. Access to private properties will be maintained at all times from either side, but not through the road closure where the construction site is based.

Businesses will remain open throughout the work, if they are able to do so during lockdown.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: “I’m pleased that work has got under way on this important scheme.

"We appreciate it is inconvenient as the A46 will be closed for a number of weeks, but it is essential to carry out these repairs to make the route safe.

"I’m grateful for everyone’s patience.”