Following our report last night on Undercliff Drive, here’s the official word from the council. Ed
Preparatory steps are to begin this week for a new scheme to restore access to Undercliff Drive, St Lawrence.
Following detailed work by the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads to agree a concept and design for a scheme, initial vegetation clearance will being this week in readiness for construction of the western turning head and establishment of site offices. Southern Water will also be on site from this week to test its water main, which currently runs along the road surface, and will then be lowered back into the ground.
Site meetings will take place between Island Roads and officers of the council in relation to tree preservation orders to pinpoint individual trees which may impose constraints on the works.
Next stage
In early July, ground investigation contractors will confirm updated information that relates to sub-surface ground conditions, as well as tests that will provide information regarding potential contaminants in the hard-core access from the west. This will determine whether this material can be re-used in the proposed scheme or if it will need to be removed off site.
During late July and August work will take place on reinstating the carriageway from Niton, while completion of both turning heads and the pedestrian section will be undertaken in September.
It is hoped that all works will be complete by the first week in October, however, the council wishes to reiterate that timings may be subject to fluctuation depending upon circumstances experienced on the ground. The council will advise residents and interested parties of any changes to this current programme.
Jordan: “There will soon be real progress”
Executive member for public protection and highways PFI, Councillor Phil Jordan, said:
“I am very pleased that there will soon be real progress for residents to see in connection with these proposals.
“We have always been committed to finding a workable solution to a very complicated set of circumstances, and this programme now sets out how this will take place over the coming months.”
Under the proposals starting this month, vehicular access for affected properties will be via the existing carriageway with some limited widening of the road from the west, with a turning head constructed close to the current position of the road closure hoarding to enable larger vehicles to turn safely.
The proposed route to the properties will be single width, built close to the existing route, to connect to the undamaged section of road on which four dedicated residents parking spaces will be provided.
Pedestrian access
Due to the eastern landslip, it will not be possible for vehicles to drive beyond the property Cheviot House, though pedestrians, cyclists and horses will be able to continue through to Undercliff Drive and on towards Ventnor on a newly created path.
At the eastern end of the access road, another turning head will be constructed, again to allow vehicles to turn safely, and a further four dedicated residents’ parking spaces will be provided.
