The aim is to reopen Bath Road in Ventnor before the end of the year, the Isle of Wight Council has said after three years of closure.
Work to reinstate the key link between Ventnor Esplanade and the top of the town is due to begin next month, a County Hall spokesperson said this morning (Tuesday, 20th October 2026).
Why the road closed
The road has been shut since October 2023 after heavy rain caused a privately owned wall to collapse, burying the route beneath rubble.
Residents have been keeping a track of just how long it has been closed via the Is Bath Road Open Yet? website.
Responsibility for repairing the wall was previously disputed between County Hall and a property owner.
In August, the council said it had reached an agreement with the proprietor, meaning it no longer had to wait for the outcome of court proceedings to determine ownership.
What the council said
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson today said,
“Work to reopen Bath Road in Ventnor is due to begin in November following the appointment of a contractor.
“The road will remain closed for safety reasons, although pedestrian access will continue during the works.
“The aim is to reopen the road before the end of the year, subject to weather conditions and ongoing site monitoring.
“The Isle of Wight Council will keep residents updated as work progresses.”
Impact on Esplanade businesses
Bath Road’s closure has caused huge disquiet among Esplanade businesses who have previously pointed to its damaging effects on trade and the visitor economy.
Tony Groves, owner of Lady Scarlett’s Tea Room, previously reported a 20 to 30 per cent drop in business since the road shut, while Lisa Boynton, who co-runs the Esplanade Beach Shop, earlier this year said around 25 per cent of trade had been lost.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
