Kent County Council (KCC) has taken a major step towards bringing back one of Folkestone’s most cherished historic routes, with the executive decision on the Road of Remembrance now formally in place and preparations for on-site works under way.

The road has been shut for more than two years after a significant landslip buried it beneath tonnes of soil and trees. Since then, the project has evolved into a complex engineering and heritage undertaking. KCC's engineers have had to contend with repeated slippages, unstable ground conditions, protected species, and the discovery of wartime infrastructure within the cliff.

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With the decision now implemented, KCC can shift fully to delivery. While the repair will not be quick, this marks the point at which physical works begin on the ground.

The programme of works will include:

- Drilling 974 soil nails (long steel rods) deep into the cliff face to pin unstable soil and rock, preventing further movement and collapse.

- Installing erosion control matting and mesh facing to stop loose material falling, limit weather-related erosion, and work alongside the soil nails to stabilise the cliff.

- Introducing drainage systems to divert water away from the cliff and reduce internal water pressure, a major driver of instability.

- Applying shotcrete reinforcement at the crest to protect nearby homes, using high‑pressure sprayed concrete to create a strong stabilising layer.