A one-way system on part of Ventnor Esplanade will remain in place for around another 12 months, it has been confirmed.
It was in March 2021 that part of the Esplanade was closed for investigation works to a retaining wall at the rear of The Spyglass Inn. Safety barriers were then erected along the length of the wall at the southern end of the seafront. With this, a one-way traffic system was introduced.
Since then, motorists have been unable to travel down onto the Esplanade from Bath Road and La Falaise Car Park.
Investigations have revealed that the wall’s parapet and the wall itself need strengthening. As a result, Island Roads has now confirmed to Island Echo that the traffic restrictions will need to remain in place until at least 2023.
In a statement, Island Roads has said:
“We are currently designing a scheme that will make this wall safe. This task is complex and difficult given the location and the confined spaces in which we will have to work.
“After discussion with the Spyglass and the Isle of Wight Council we have agreed not to carry out the strengthening work during the summer months when the Esplanade is at its busiest. We intend instead to begin work – which could last up to five or six months – after the holiday season.
“While there is currently a one-way system in place, both the Esplanade and La Falaise Car Park are accessible”.
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Better to do the work now surely, it will only get worse during the delay, and of course you will still get the idiot drivers going the wrong way anyway.
Least of Ventnor’s worries at the moment, it is absolutely horrendous trying to get around the town at the moment.
Two-way on Bath Road is not very sensible anyway, nor is it on the stretch of road behind the Spyglass. The One-way should be made permanent.
To be fair, I was always quite amazed that British even allow for any car traffic near an esplanade. So bizarre.
Never go to Ventnor nothing there so no point