The historic Road of Remembrance in Folkestone is set to undergo major repairs after being closed for more than two years. Kent County Council has officially moved forward with plans to stabilise the cliff face and reopen the route, which has been shut since 27 January 2024 following a significant landslip.
The road, which holds deep local significance as the path taken by millions of servicemen marching to the harbour during World War I, was blocked by large amounts of soil and trees. Expert assessments have identified the area as being in an extremely high-risk condition, with the overhanging top of the cliff posing a threat of further collapse.
To address the instability, the council is finalising contractor arrangements for a £5 million project. The work will involve drilling 974 long steel rods, known as soil nails, deep into the cliff to pin the ground together. Engineers will also install new drainage systems, protective matting, and concrete reinforcements to ensure the area is safe for public use.
The project has faced several delays due to complex site challenges, including the discovery of protected wildlife, historical Anglo-Saxon remains, and the need to preserve access to a World War II bunker. Surveys also had to be conducted to check for unexploded ordnance from the war. Folkestone & Hythe District Council has contributed £236,000 toward the total cost of the scheme, sourced from on-street parking funds.
Mobilisation for the repair project is planned for May 2026. Officials expect the construction phase to last between 11 and 12 months, marking a significant step toward restoring this vital link between The Leas and the harbour.
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