Earlier this morning, News OnTheWight reader Paul Knights got in touch with a photo of a manhole cover that he’d witnessed being lifted up and down the road by a water surge on Ventnor’s Cascade.
Just an hour later, the extent of the damage caused by the surge of water on Ventnor Cascade has become evident with a video by Charlie Urry.
Road severely damaged
The video below shared by Aiden Ould, but courtesy of Charlie Urry, shows large cracks in the road leading down to the Esplanade. The water that runs down the Cascade comes through the town from Ventnor Downs. The torrential rain, which appears to have subsided slightly has clearly overwhelmed the drainage system.
If you can’t see the video above, watch on Facebook.
These videos below (shared with permission) show the extent of the problem. Beware of swearing on the first video
Tracey Tredwell also shared this photo below of the water gushing out of the manhole, just before the damage occurred to the road.
999 operator said they’d contact highways
Paul told us,
“Just saw this at 9.09am. I managed to shift a (50kg? – very heavy) triangular manhole cover back in place with help of another passer-by, but it remains protruding above road level somewhat.
“I called Island Roads, but no one answered, called 101 but they couldn’t hear me properly and hung up, called 999! They said they’d contact Highways. Hopefully it’s all sorted by now.”
Paul was keen to made clear that this was not a criticism, just an observation.
Latest photos
Below are some photos from a bit later this morning, before temporary traffic lights were installed.
Update 1
Island Roads have now installed temporary traffic lights.
Update 2
Island Roads have now closed to road for assessment.
Article edit
12.48pm 2nd Aug 2021 – Island Roads update 1
1.12pm 2nd Aug 2021 – More photos added
1.37pm 2nd Aug 2021 – Island Roads update 2
1.43pm 2nd Aug 2021 – Extra videos added (with permission)
