At the end of last month, following publication of a report produced by Ramboll UK Ltd for Island Roads on the section of landslipped Undercliff Drive that was re-patched by volunteers, the Isle of Executive commissioned their own independent report.
Promised seven days ago, the residents of the landlocked properties on Undercliff Drive have been on tenterhooks awaiting news of the independent engineer’s findings.
Review of the reports
The report produced by Pritchard Wilmott has this afternoon been released by the Isle of Wight council.
The six-page report reviews the assessments produced by Ramboll UK and Island Roads. Pritchard Wilmott say it’s difficult to disagree with both reports if the absolute requirement is for there to be no risks whatsoever.
Cut to the chase
However, they do go on to say,
Visual inspection would suggest the new embankment construction is to a reasonable, if not fully sustainable in the longer-term, standard and if a more pragmatic approach is considered and if some degree of risk is accepted by all parties, then provided specific and realistic measures are taken to mitigate such risks it is our view that subject to ongoing monitoring and basic ah-hoc repairs as necessary, the roadway could be used on a short term, day-by-day, restricted basis until such time as a more permanent solution is adopted.
The recommendations
A summary of the recommendations being put forward by Pritchard Wilmott:
- Not for general public use.
- Restrict vehicles to under 2 tonnes – cars and light vans. Only allow one vehicle to use at a time – ie not passing.
- Physical vehicle-width restriction of as 2m. With the provisions for pre-arrange fuel delivery and emergency vehicles.
- Continue to monitor for any movement.
- Place more substantial fence or barrier at seaward side.
- If movement is detected, road should be closed while further investigations are carried out.
It’s not all plain sailing
While the report gives the all-clear for the use of the road in practical terms, it also highlights that legal issues need to be addressed,
“Specialist legal advice will need to the sought by the council which could, regardless of practical considerations, be paramount with regard to whether or not the temporary roadway can be opened for use.”
It goes on to say that those who use the road might find that their normal car insurance might not cover them if an incident were to occur on while using that part of the road.
The conclusion
The final sentence sums up the feeling of many Islanders,
“We trust that the foregoing comments, suggestions and recommendations can represent a practical and pragmatic means of dealing with the present unsatisfactory situation whereby no vehicular access to this particular residential area is currently allowed.”
Response from the Executive
Executive member for public protection and highways PFI, Councillor Phil Jordan, said:
“This technical review has been shared with residents and we are assuring them that its contents and findings are being carefully and fully considered, and as swiftly as we are able. It has raised a range of points which will need to be satisfied before any action may be taken in relation to the temporary road. These include key issues relating to safety and liability.
“We are very mindful of the residents’ hopes for a satisfactory resolution and will ensure any decision we make is properly and responsibly reached.
“While the independent technical review relates to the temporary road constructed by residents at the western end of Undercliff Drive, at this week’s Executive meeting the council made a decision to create a pedestrian route along the section of Undercliff Drive affected by the landslip earlier this year together with a low cost, limited access, road from the west which would give residents vehicular access to their homes.
“Officers will now be working on developing this scheme, which will require detailed design work and costing. The aim is for this work to be completed as soon as practicably possible, however, this will be subject to issues which include having appropriate weather and ground conditions for the work to take place.”
Read the report. Click on the full screen icon to see larger version.
