Thousands of Islanders are set to Walk the Wight next month — and Island Roads is once again providing support for Mountbatten’s big fundraiser.
Walk the Wight is now in its 34th year and Island Roads, on behalf of the IW Council, give highways management support to help get the walkers safely across the Island.
255 hours of support
Last year, 20 operatives provided 255 hours of support with eight traffic orders created for road closures and one-way systems, 271 signs placed and 677 cones placed.
For this year’s walk, on Sunday, 12th May 2024, the only major change on previous years is the introduction of a one-way traffic system at the foot of Culver Down. Previously there have been two-way lights.
12 road crossings being monitored
Across the 26.5-mile route from Bembridge to the Needles, there are 12 road crossings that have to be carefully monitored, through closures, temporary lights and one-way systems.
On the flat route from Sandown to Shide, the crossing at Blackwater Hollow is arranged by Island Roads staff.
Message for cyclists
Island Roads and Mountbatten are also asking cyclists to take care when using shared used paths, which will be particularly busy with walkers during the day.
Cyclists are asked to dismount whenever they encounter large groups of walkers, particularly on the Flat Walk.
The traffic arrangements will be in place throughout the day but restrictions will be removed once the last walkers have passed the crossing points.
The provisional timings for the crossings are:
Main Walk:
Bembridge start – Road Closures and One/way System
- Approx 4 hours between 05:00 – 09:00
Knighton Lane, Newchurch – One-Way system
- Approx. 6 hours between 06:00 – 12:00
Mersley Lane, Newchurch – Road closure
- Approx. 6 hours between 06:00 – 12:00
Down End Arreton -One-way
- Approx. 8 hours between 06:00 – 14:00
Carisbrooke (Start of Half Walk) – Road closure of Whitcombe Road/Nunnery Lane/Marvel Lane & Clatterford Shute
- Approx. 9 hours between 07:00 – 16:00
Lynch Lane, Brighstone – Road closure
- Approx. 6 hours between 10:00 – 16:00
Flat Walk:
Golf Links Road – Road closure
- Approx. 3 hours between 08:00 – 11:00
Please note all timings are approximate.
Restrictions will be removed as soon as possible once the walk has passed through each location.
White: We’re so grateful to the Island Roads team
Lorraine White, Mountbatten’s Fundraising Manager, said,
“Island Roads are a huge supporter of Walk the Wight and the event simply wouldn’t be possible without their time and expertise.
“We’re so grateful to their team for ensuring our flagship fundraiser runs as safely and smoothly as it possibly can.
“So many hours and brains go into the creation of this epic event and we feel very lucky to have Island Roads helping us make the magic happen.”
Lorraine added that Mountbatten were still looking for general volunteers to help with the event.
Anyone interested in helping should email fundraisingiow@mountbatten.org.uk
Jackman: It really is a labour of love for us
Ryan Jackman, Island Roads traffic management officer, said,
“We have been working with Mountbatten for the last few months on this plan and it really is a labour of love for us. It is such a unique and inspiring event.
“We all know people who have had cause to use Mountbatten’s services.
“We would like to thank motorists in advance for their co-operation during the day and wish everyone a successful and safe Walk the Wight.”
News shared by Claire behalf of Island Roads. Ed
Image: Nikki Guildford, Mountbatten healthcare assistant; Lorraine White, Mountbatten IW fundraising manager; Vicky Scovell, senior staff nurse; Iain Thornton, Island Roads streetworks manager
