The Isle of Wight Council, working with Island Roads, Natural England and local landowners, is advising residents of upcoming footpath improvements this spring that will mean a temporary closure of a short section of the Military Road.
These improvements are essential in unlocking a stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path Network, in particular the opening of IOW4 between Binnel Bay and Chilton Chine.
The upgrades are necessary in providing a safe and convenient inland detour on this trail and protecting the future of the overall coastal walking network.
Six-week road closure on weekdays
Phase One of the improvements will begin on 2nd March 2026 and will last for six weeks.
This will involve the construction of 480 metres of self-binding gravel footway either side of Brighstone Viaduct, near the stunning Grange Chine.
Once completed and officially opened, residents and tourists alike will be able to enjoy the National Trail status of the coastal walking route between Culver Down and Colwell Bay.
For the safety of workers, drivers and residents, a road closure will be in place at all times on weekdays, with the road reopened at weekends under temporary traffic signals to maintain access.
No vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists will be able to travel through the closure area at all times on weekdays.
Open for Easter weekend
A signed diversion route will be in place, and the road will be open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, though temporary traffic signals will remain in place.
Read Frequently Asked Questions about the closure of the short section of road on our website.
The road will reopen after Phase One of the improvements are completed.
Phase Two and Three
Phase Two and Three of the works will require the road to close for a maximum of one day later on in May, and will involve creating a safe pedestrian route in the banks for Grange Chine immediately to the north of the viaduct, and a new footbridge across the chine.
These improvements are needed after the original coastal footbridge at the mouth of Grange Chine was lost to storm damage and erosion.
New inland route
As the widening chine and unstable banks make replacing a foot bridge at the beach end unfeasible, the Rights of Way Service has been working with Natural England, Island Roads and affected landowners to design a new inland route.
All costs for the England Coast Path works are fully funded by Natural England and the route off the highway network has been secured with the cooperation of local landowners.
Clarke: We thank all residents and landowners for their cooperation
Darrel Clarke, Rights of Way Manager at the Isle of Wight Council, said,
“The Isle of Wight’s glorious coastline is entirely unique but challenging in places. Due to the widening chine and unstable banks, it is regrettable that a truly coastal route is no longer feasible at Grange Chine beach.
“However, these improvements will bring long-term benefits that will allow residents and tourists alike to experience and enjoy the King Charles III England Coast Path, the Island’s first National Trail for years to come.
“Whilst slightly inland from the coast, the new route will provide stunning views of the viaduct which many people might not know exists.
“While we recognise that these improvements may cause inconvenience, we thank all residents and landowners for their cooperation, as we look to improve safety and open up new pedestrian access.”
All improvements are expected to be finished by the end of May, enabling the opening of IOW4 and continuous coastal walking between Culver Down and Colwell Bay in the summer.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
