Work to drill 3 boreholes at Leeson Road in Ventnor is progressing very well says the Council, although workmen have downed tools due to a temporary snag.
The boreholes are being sunk to depths of up to 130 metres to help the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads further understand the ground conditions at this location and to allow additional monitoring equipment to be installed.
Data retrieved from the enhanced monitoring will help partners agree on an early-warning scheme so the road can be re-opened safely and permanently.
Drilling on the first borehole has been completed and the second borehole has reached a depth of 100 metres. However, progress was interrupted on Sunday when a casing — used to house the core samples taken from the ground — temporarily became stuck deep underground.
The casing has already been retrieved and it is expected drilling will recommence very shortly, once the rig has been re-set.
This type of issue is not unexpected in such complex work, and contractors remain on course to complete the project within the published timeline.