Lyneham Banks landslip still moving almost two years on

Wiltshire Council has reported there is still ground movement occurring almost two years after the Lyneham Banks landslip.

The major landslip affected the B4069 in February 2022 and caused approximately 70m of the road to be dislodged and transported about 25m downslope.

The movements at the site of the main landslip have now slowed considerably, but according to the council, there are still movements along the B4069 to the west.

Wiltshire Council has been undertaking surveys and observations to understand these movements, including using a drone along the entire B4069 from the current landslip down to the Clack Hill junction.

Weekly monitoring visits are also being carried out to record the movements, as well as monthly detailed inclinometer readings.

The council is in the final stages of its repair design and is currently engaging with prospective contractors.

It reports: “The scheme will include a new 109m-long piled retaining wall being built to stabilise the bank and road.

“As part of the delivery, a large amount of earthworks will be needed, including the removal of the old road surface which has slid down the bank.

“The new design will also include new drainage features either side of the road to help capture and manage both surface water and groundwater flows through formalised channels, pipe routes and ditches.”

The work is currently due to be carried out between spring and winter 2024.