Motorists are being forced to divert near Arreton tonight (Monday) as the result of a tree that has fallen across the carriageway.
Downend Road between the Hare and Hounds pub and Arreton Cross is currently blocked in both directions.
The tree, which is understood to have come down between 21:50 and 22:20, has fallen across both sides of the road and is impassable.
Long Lane is under an emergency closure by Island Roads also, meaning a lengthy diversion via Briddlesford Road and Whiterails Road for Newport-bound traffic, or across The Downs for vehicles heading east.
Southern Vectis say their Route 8 buses will divert from Furrlongs via Staplers Road, and Blackwater Road to Arreton. Diversion to operate in both directions. As a result, buses are unable to serve bus stops from Long Lane to Arreton Manor in either direction.
Contractors are expected to arrive on site shortly and the road should re-open by the early hours.
UPDATE TUESDAY – Shortly after the publication of this article last night – and before a road closure could be implemented – a vehicle collided into the fallen tree.
The driver and passenger of the black Suzuki Ignis had a lucky escape, but their vehicle was damaged after ploughing head-on into the debris.
The road has since been cleared and has re-opened to all traffic.
I thought it was the boys in blue using their new stop tactics…
special branch are on the scene
Leaf it out.
The driver should eat more carrots, or maybe have an eye test….and driver to the conditions…
Yes, and if they drive to the conditions, then they will get stung for driving too slowly.
Better to crash then???..
For once the tree is in the wrong.