Anyone coming in and out of Ventnor over the last couple of weeks will have been aware of the diversion through town as part of Ocean View Road is closed.
The works taking place on Ocean View Road (to fill the large ‘geological vent‘) are due to be completed by 11th March, but another diversion a few days later is going to cause a much bigger disruption.
From Tuesday 15th March Monday 14th March, the section of road between the junction of Ocean View Road, Gills Cliff Road and Newport Road (by the fish and chip shop) is going to be closed up to Down Lane. It’s anticipated that the work will take ten days, finishing on 25th March.
Upper Ventnor cut off from town
This road closure effectively means that Upper Ventnor will be cut off from the rest of Ventnor by vehicles. We assume the footpath will be open to pedestrians.
No doubt it is going to cause major problems for anyone who needs to drive down from Upper Ventnor for work, to get their kids to school or do the shopping.
For public transport and school bus users the problem is just as big.
Awaiting details of bus diversions
We’ve written to Southern Vectis to try and find out how they’re going to deal with the diversion but are still awaiting a response.
The diversion suggested by the Isle of Wight Council would mean driving out to Shanklin or Whitwell to gain access to the town.
We’re not going to go into the details of the 18+ emails with the comms department (yet) when trying to find out more about this road closure to share with our readers, but it was a clear example of how difficult work behind the scenes at VB can be to bring you the news.
Diversion route
B3327 Ocean View Road, Mitchell Avenue and St Boniface Road, A3055 Leeson Road, Bonchurch Road, Cowleeze Hill, Church Road, Old Village, High Street (Shanklin), A3020 Victoria Avenue, Cliff Bridge, Godshill Road, Whitelely Bank, B3327 Wroxall Road, St Johns Road, High Street (Wroxall), Clarence Road and Newport Road.
Traffic travelling between Newport/ Godshill and Ventnor should use; West Street (Godshill), Whitwell Road, High Street (Whitwell), Ventnor Road, Whitwell Road and Upper Gills Cliff Road.
We’ll keep you updated on the No.3 and school bus diversions once we have the details.
Image: functoruser under CC BY 2.0
