6-WEEK CLOSURE OF MILITARY ROAD TO ALLOW FOR COASTAL PATH UPGRADES

A section of Military Road will be closed for a 6-week period, on weekdays only, to allow for improvements to the coastal footpath.

The Isle of Wight Council, working with Island Roads, Natural England and local landowners, is advising residents of upcoming footpath improvements from 2nd March that will result in the temporary closure of a short section of the iconic 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.

Article continues below this advertisement

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.

Phase One of the improvements will begin on 2nd March and will last for 6 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.

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.

Article continues below this advertisement

Phase 2 and 3 of the works will require the road to close for a maximum of 1 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. As the widening chine and unstable banks make replacing a footbridge 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.

Darrel Clarke, Rights of Way Manager at the Isle of Wight Council, says:

“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.