Belgrave Road in Ventnor is set to re-open in the next couple of weeks, almost 3 years after a retaining wall and the carriageway dramatically collapsed.
It was back in January 2020 that the situation began when cracks started to appear in the road as the wall began to give way. The road was closed on 16th January and rightly so, as within days a whole section had collapsed and a number of properties were evacuated.
Over the past 34 months, contractors have used a strengthening technique called ‘soil nailing’ to stabilise the face before building a new concrete retaining wall and a new parapet wall. A natural stone finish has been utilised to ensure that modern engineering blends in with the surrounding area.
The scheme to stabilise and rebuild the area overlooking Ventnor Esplanade has progressed well, with all stabilisation work relating to the original failure now complete.
Island Roads is just finishing off a 30m section of parapet wall and is also carrying out repointing in the general vicinity, alongside the replacement of the majority of railings in the area such as those between Esplanade Road and Belgrave Road.
Meanwhile, Southern Water engineers are relaying a water main. A temporary overland main was put in place as a precautionary measure after the collapse.
With the end in sight, it has been confirmed that Belgrave Road is set to re-open during the 1st week of December – although that is subject to weather conditions allowing the resurfacing of the carriageway.
It was said in December 2020 that the scheme would be completed by October 2021, but a year later its only now that the scheme is within touching distance of finally being complete.
Residents have called for a 20mph speed limit, wider pavements and speed bumps or cushions to deter people from using the road as a shortcut. In response, the Isle of Wight Council says that a remodelling of the street scene was considered by the local authority last September, but no public consensus was given with respect to a preferred scheme.
Well drag out lads!!!!
Should have used Gabion cages. Quick, flexible, transportable, low carbon footprint and can be made to any size and shape.
Easy to overlay with tarmac or crushed concrete, type I or 2.
Saved a fortune. Too late this time. Maybe next
I expect you have analysed the specialist report with your engineering qualifications.
The only surprise is that you didn’t inform the site personally of your your expertise
before they started.
Question is the picture before or after Island Roads had finished, it’s difficult to tell .. looks like there signature workmanship ..