The final phase of crucial borehole work has commenced at Leeson Road in Ventnor following the catastrophic Bonchurch Landslide that took place in December 2023.
The Isle of Wight council say the third and last borehole will reach a depth of 130 metres, mirroring the design of the previous two. Each borehole houses essential monitoring equipment and provides invaluable ground samples.
These samples are being retrieved to enhance the understanding of the area’s geology, a key factor in determining a safe reopening of the road, say the council.
Geological findings from boreholes
The samples from the first borehole have confirmed expected geological layers. Chalk and sandstone were found up to a depth of 43 metres, followed by gault clay reaching down to 95 metres, with further sandstone below that level. These findings align with initial geological predictions and provide important data for the ongoing work.
Michelle Love, service director for highways at the Isle of Wight council, confirmed that progress remains on schedule. She said,
“Despite some very wet weather, we remain on target to complete the borehole work within the stated schedule of ten to 12 weeks.”
Discrepancy with closure period
On 6th September the council leader, Phil Jordan, issued a press release advising that the new work schedule of a seven-day working week would mean the road closure would reduced to around four-six weeks rather than the 10-12 weeks originally stated by the council’s press office. This was reduced closure period was, at the time, reinforced by the council’s Director of Highways, Michelle Love.
However the council’s press office are still using the 10-12 week closure period in their latest communication.
Jordan: I am hoping we will be nearer to the six weeks than the ten weeks
OnTheWight has contacted the council leader, Phil Jordan, to ask why there continues to be a discrepancy between what different parts of the council are stating. He replied,
“All being well (and I think that’s the possible rankle on finish date) we could expect the bore hole completed in the next two weeks or so.
“I am not certain of the expected delivery date of the required monitoring equipment however, and we are still discussing how much monitoring data is needed to make an informed judgement on movement.
“So, these ‘other’ parameters – equipment, data timeframe – are going to be crucial to getting the road open again. But we are working on a quick implementation after the drilling works which could be an interim ‘single file under lights’ until a short period of data is gathered. But these things are the subject of current discussions.
“I am hoping we will be nearer to the six weeks than the ten weeks estimate but some of this still remains outside of our direct control.”
Supporting local businesses
As work continues, residents and visitors are reminded that businesses on both sides of the closure — in Shanklin Old Village and Ventnor — remain open and accessible via the diversion.
Michelle Love encouraged residents to support these businesses during the disruption.
Reporting land changes
Meanwhile, residents living near the landslide are being urged to report any changes to their land or homes.
This information will aid in further geomorphological surveys and should be sent to the council’s coastal recovery team at [email protected]. The details will be passed on to Jacobs, the consultants working with the council.
By continuing to monitor changes and collect geological data, authorities hope to put in place an early warning system that ensures the road can be reopened safely.
Article edit
6pm 12th Oct 2024 – PJ comment added
