The road closure between lower and Upper Ventnor, which came into force on Monday evening, has already been causing major disruption for residents.
However, it’s just about to get a lot worse.
Island Roads say it’s not clear how long Newport Road by the junction with Ocean View Road and Upper Gills Cliff Road will be closed, but to “better accommodate the additional volume of traffic”, they’re putting a one-way system in place from Godshill to Whitwell.
Extent of damage still being investigated
A spokesperson for Island Roads told News OnTheWight,
“Southern Water is currently investigating the extent of the damaged sewer at Newport Road, Ventnor.
“Once these initial investigations are complete, we will have a better idea of how long remedial work will take and, therefore, when the highway can be re-opened.
“Naturally we will be encouraging Southern Water to complete the works as soon as possible.”
One-way route from Godshill
The spokesperson for Island Roads went on to add,
“We have requested that Southern Water create a one-way system from Godshill to Whitwell to better accommodate the additional volume of traffic currently being diverted along this route.”
This new diversion means drivers leaving Ventnor will have to detour via Chale Green and Rookley to get over to Shanklin etc.
Extra diversion times
Below are the changes in travelling times from Ventnor to Shanklin.
| Route | Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Via Leeson Road before landslide | 13 mins | 4.4 miles |
| Via Newport Road, Upper Ventnor, before sewer damage | 17 mins | 6.2 miles |
| Via Whitwell and Godshill before one-way system | 25 mins | 10.4 miles |
| Via Chale, Rookley etc | 41 mins | 18.5 miles |
Let’s hope the sewer repairs are carried out as quickly as possible, because the Bonchurch landslide is still moving and it could be a very long time before that route opens again.
Article edit
5.40pm 12th Dec 2023 – Travelling times tables added
