The major project to rebuild and reopen Belgrave Road in Ventnor has been completed, almost 3 years after it was originally closed.
The final element of the work, resurfacing the newly-constructed road, was finished this week and the road will once again be open to pedestrians and traffic from today (Friday).
Closed in early 2020 when the walls that retain the highway failed, the work on Belgrave Road initially involved making the site safe. There then followed a detailed process during which the site was carefully surveyed allowing the engineering consultancy Atkins to design an agreed stabilization project.
This surveying work was shortlisted for the award of Ground Investigation Project of the Year at the 2021 Ground Engineering Awards
The actual construction phase lasted just over a year and was carried out by local construction company Stoneham Construction. Another local business, Corefix, was also involved in installing more than 250 ‘soil nails’ – which if laid end to end would stretch over 2 kilometres – to stabilise the area.
Throughout the scheme, Island Roads has also worked closely with the Isle of Wight Council’s conservation team to ensure the new retaining walls are in keeping with the local surroundings and character of a Victorian seaside town.
Jason Boulter, Island Roads senior project manager, said:
“Given the unique geological features in this area coupled with the fact it is a steep location with single lane roads close to homes and businesses, this was a particularly complex job.
“We are pleased to have worked with Island companies, national experts and also the local community to complete a scheme that restores the road as well as rebuilds and strengthens the walls that retain it.
“We would like, once again, to thank the local community, particularly the residents of Belgrave Road and Esplanade Road and Ventnor Town Council for their support throughout the project.”
Don’t worry wightfibre will be along shortly to do their own finishing touches to this road!
IF they had utilised Gabion cages for the lower sections by using wide cages then tapering them off as they gained height, the cost would have been reduced to a fraction as would the time it took to do the work.
Added benefit lizards which frequent the area would have had a marvellous cliff face in which to breed and CO2 would have been minimal if you worry over that kind of thing.
Cheap, rapid, green, so it wasn’t adopted by this Council.
And would need to be redone in a few years time when the cages rust through in the salt air.
We use stainless steel cable in salt sea environments. So no rust at all.
You nerd to go and have a look at the amazing work these workers have achieved
And road is way too narrow for gibon cages
Predictable comment from ivy
Good, now Wightfibre, Southern Water can get in, and dig it up again .. seems to be the wisdom of the planners .
Is this road one way? If not it needs to be to reduce the weight of traffic using it.
It was still closed at midday today.
Great they’ve finished.. Wall looks great, lizards never left. Let’s hope it stays put
why did island roads not tarmac the whole Road they can’t say they ran out of time the second part of that road is a disgrace just like Alpine road