There will be some parking restrictions put in place when part of Newport Road (the graben) closes on Monday the council have revealed.
Southern Water will be undertaking urgent major sewer repairs, meaning the road which links Ventnor town to Upper Ventnor (Lowtherville) will be unpassable to vehicles for two weeks. One footway will remain open for pedestrians.
Diversions and new bus route
Major diversions have been announced with a one-way system from Godshill to Whitwell, and northbound traffic from Ventnor/Whitwell having to divert via Niton, Chale and Rookley, as well as a new shuttle bus service, the 3X, between Ventnor and Newport.
Since Leeson Road has been closed due to the Bonchurch Landslide in December 2023, and the subsequent closure of Lower Gills Cliff Road due to rockfall, Ocean View Road and Upper Gills Cliff Road have seen increased traffic flows.
Tailbacks during rush hour
‘Flows’ might not be the correct word to use, particularly during the school run and rush hour, when Ocean View Road in particular, experiences long tailbacks due to a combination of wider vehicles and on-street parking.
As well as extra cars and vans, drivers using the road have faced additional buses, often with 2-3 using that section of the road at the same time (well done to the patient Southern Vectis bus drivers).
Parking restrictions
Therefore many residents have been eagerly awaiting news of parking restrictions on Ocean View Road during the two week closure of Newport Road.
OnTheWight spoke to the council and have been informed that the only restrictions being put in place will be along Upper Gills Cliff Road (both sides whole length) and Whitwell Road (both sides from Gills Cliff Road to outside of 5 Foxhills on the main road).
No additional restrictions have been planned in Whitwell or Ocean View Road.
No other restrictions planned
The spokesperson told OnTheWight,
“Island Roads has previously said that the diversion route will remain under review and they will make any appropriate adjustments.”
Mixed views
There are mixed views in the town about the planned closure and diversions, with some referring to the entire road closure situation (Leeson Road, Lower Gills Cliff Road and Newport Road) as ‘a farce’ and ‘incompetence’, whilst others are more accepting of the situation and are prepared to endure the inconvenience whilst the necessary sewer repairs, and other road monitoring etc is undertaken.
The town is open for business
It’s worth pointing out that despite these closures, the town has felt as busy as usual, particularly on Saturdays for Ingram’s Yard Markets, and although an inconvenience for some, many people are able to move around the town, as well as in and out of it, with ease.
