A dedicated shuttle bus service is now operating to help Wroxall residents stay connected during the ongoing road closure for major carriageway reconstruction works.
The shuttle runs between Wroxall and Upper Ventnor and has been introduced through a joint effort by Southern Vectis, the Isle of Wight Council, and Island Roads. It aims to minimise disruption for local people while essential infrastructure improvements take place.
Full road closure
The main Wroxall route – including St John’s Road, High Street, and Clarence Road – is closed to all traffic as part of a 12-week scheme to rebuild and resurface the road.
While the Number 3 bus has been diverted via Shanklin and Ventnor, the shuttle will provide a vital link for residents needing to travel between Wroxall and Upper Ventnor, seven days a week.
Timetables
Full details of the shuttle timetable, as well as updates on school transport and the Number 3 route diversions, are available on the Southern Vectis website.
For further enquiries, residents can contact Southern Vectis on 0330 0539 182.
Do not park in layby
To ensure the shuttle can operate safely, ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ cones will be placed at the eastern end of the bus layby outside St Francis Primary School on Newport Road, Ventnor.
Residents are asked not to park in this area to avoid disruption to the service.
For those travelling outside the shuttle’s operating hours, the nearest alternative stop for Wroxall is at Whiteley Bank and, for Upper Ventnor, it is Ventnor Boots.
Concessionary passes accepted earlier
In response to community feedback, an exemption has been agreed to allow ENCTS (English National Concessionary Travel Scheme) passes to be used on the 9.20am shuttle from Upper Ventnor and the 9.11am service from Albert Street.
Michelle Love, service director for highways and community safety at the Isle of Wight Council, said,
“We understand how important reliable transport links are for Wroxall residents, especially during a period of disruption.
“This shuttle service is a practical solution to help people stay connected while we carry out these much-needed improvements.”
Seven phases
The project is being delivered in seven phases, starting with a 350-metre section of Clarence Road between Mountfield Road and Manor Road.
Each phase will involve deeper-than-usual excavations to strengthen the road’s foundations before resurfacing. While this will reduce future maintenance needs, it does require full road closures.
Full details of the works, including a phasing plan, are available on the Island Roads website.
Stay informed
To keep residents informed, an email update group has been set up. To subscribe, please email [email protected]
The project is scheduled to finish by 27th February 2026, with a two-week break over Christmas and New Year.
However, the timeline may change due to winter weather conditions, unexpected ground issues, or unmapped utility services even though thorough site surveys have already been carried out.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
