Work by our contractors to clear trees, from both land that we are responsible for and privately owned land, will continue until the end of February 2025. Throughout this time, sections of the road will be closed completely to traffic on weekdays between 8am and 4pm. Onsite signage will advertise the sections of closures and show access or diversions to local communities as the work progresses along the road. Overnight 1 lane will be open with traffic lights in place.
A large proportion of trees along the Via Gellia are ash trees and many have become infected by the disease which causes decay under the bark, making the trees brittle and more prone to falling over in high winds. As branches and stems die back there is a greater possibility of deadwood falling into the road and causing a safety risk.
The tree felling will involve removing all ash trees within 20 metres of each side of the road as very few of them are unaffected. Those few currently unaffected would be very likely to succumb in the future and would need to be revisited. The method to remove all at once has been agreed with Natural England and the Forestry Commission.
We are supporting landowners along the route who have a legal responsibility to remove diseased trees on their land and coordinating tree removal as part of a plan to clear affected trees on county council-owned land.
Our Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick said:
“Ash dieback is a blight across the whole country and Derbyshire is particularly hard hit due to our limestone environments which are favoured by ash trees. The steep valley sides of the Grange Valley have offered protection from wind and rain making the Via Gellia ideal conditions for the disease to grow.
“The badly diseased trees are a threat to road users and we’re taking action jointly to remove that threat before the nesting season begins.
“Due to the vast area of trees affected, it means land along the route will look very different once the tree-felling has taken place. Replacement trees will be planted in winter 2025/26.
“We’re grateful that many landowners on the Via Gellia have chosen to work with us to help minimise disruption and costs for all involved.”
Our Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit said:
“This is a substantial task which will involve felling diseased trees within 20 metres of each side of the road. We realise that the road closures will cause some temporary inconvenience for road users, but to try to reduce this disruption, we’ll be closing sections of the road in phases to minimise disruption as much as possible. We will advertise the rolling phased closures on site and on our website once confirmed with the council’s contractor and we aim to have the work completed as quickly as possible.”
Find more information and regular updates about which sections of the road are closed.