The Road of Remembrance in Folkestone could stay closed until summer 2026 due to ongoing landslide repairs and stabilization efforts.
Folkestone: A year ago, a landslide hit the Road of Remembrance. James Bowen was on call that night. He thought it was just a few fallen trees. But as dawn broke, the damage was clear. The cliff had crumbled significantly.
This week, James and Kent County Council engineers met to discuss repairs. Cllr Neil Baker, the transport chief, said the road might not reopen until summer 2026. He dismissed ideas of reopening it as a footpath. The goal is to restore it fully.
Costs for the project are still unclear. Cllr Baker mentioned that more funding is needed. He explained that emergencies like this require careful budgeting. They want to ensure other projects aren’t affected.
Engineers are using a mesh and steel pins to stabilize the cliff. These pins will go eight meters deep. An anti-erosion mat will help prevent further damage. The designs need final checks before work can start.
Cllr Baker hopes to begin work this summer, depending on the weather. If everything goes well, it could be done in six months. If not, it may take until next summer.
Before starting, several surveys were done to assess the cliff’s stability. One test involved drilling a borehole 25 meters deep to collect soil samples. They also added a standpipe to monitor water levels.
The landslides were natural events. The ground, known as the Folkestone Formation, is prone to erosion. Heavy rainfall from recent storms and strong winds weakened the cliff.
Folkestone experienced at least eight landslips in 2024. Many paths and parks were closed for safety. The first landslide on the Road of Remembrance happened on January 27, 2024.
Due to the risk of unexploded bombs, an ordnance survey was necessary. Engineer Byron Lovell mentioned challenges with archaeology and legal issues. They also had to use specialized equipment for private gardens.
Drone images showed how some homes are now dangerously close to the cliff edge. However, 80-year-old Marian Walters feels safe in her home. She praised the council for their support during this time.
Recently, a campaign started to turn old Victorian toilets into a First World War Memorial. This would honor soldiers who walked the Road of Remembrance to the harbor.
Cllr Baker emphasized the road’s importance to the community. It’s not just a road; it’s a piece of local culture and history.
