Virtually all roads will lead to Shanklin for residents of the South Wight as several critical roads in the area are to be shut at the same time later this month.
The main road through Wroxall will be closed for a period of 10 weeks from 18th January to allow Southern Gas Networks to undertake improvements works. All those living in Wroxall will have to travel into Ventnor to get in and out of the village.
At the same time, Godshill Road between Whitwell and Godshill will be closed for 3 weeks to enable Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to excavate a trench for a new low voltage cable. That work gets underway from 11th January.
Unfortunately, there won’t be any short diversion for those trying to get to Whitwell, Ventnor or St Lawrence because Southford Lane near Whitwell will also be closed, as will Red Hill Lane in Wroxall – 2 possible routes to get around each closure.
The simultaneous closures mean that those living in Ventnor and the surrounding areas will have to divert via Shanklin Old Village or Niton in both directions. The official diversion is via Shanklin.
The journey from Ventnor Town to Newport is normally 10.5 miles (via Wroxall) or 11.3 miles (via Whitwell). Later this month, for a minimum period of 3 weeks, motorists will have a choice between an 12.9 mile diversion via Shanklin or an 12.6 mile diversion via Niton.
Should an incident occur on the main Shanklin to Ventnor road then all traffic will be required to divert via Rookley and Niton.
Why T F are both roads shut at the same time? Does anyone at Island Roads have any idea about planning? Couldn’t organise a rabbit’s tea party in a carrot patch!
What T F has Island Roads got to do with it???
Before you can shut a road you have to get island roads permission
Because the IOW Council has handed over control of the road network to Island Roads, a private company. It’s called abdication of responsibility
Totally stupid no thoughts for island people and a lot off time the roads are closed so they can park there vehicles
Very true! Why close southford lane? Well I suppose we are in lockdown so technically shouldn’t be so busy but some of us still have to work
Good job we are in lockdown, but a real pain for key workers relying on public transport from Wroxall. Hopefully emergency services wont get delayed if needed.
These road works are going to rip up the new road surfaces, we have waited decades for, real bad planning by all concerned.
Idiots
Not the best time to divert traffic – especially through Ventnor – the coldest time of year – so potentially icy roads through the hilliest town on the island.
Will both diversion routes be fully gritted?
Genius. How can IWC allow their contractors to do this? Oh I know – they dont give a s**t.
I notice the sign says until April 1st, is this an early April Fool joke
How many people are going to die due to the extra time it will take for Ambulances to get to St Lawrence and Ventnor due to these Diversions?
Surely the Island people won’t vote for this council next time?
They say emergency vehicles can pass so why can’t residents? Not to go back and fourth but sensibly?
This is terrible and dangerous with ice in Ventnor and no access to the village for ambulances /fire brigade, people could die. I work at the Hospital…please delay this until things have settled down.
Somebodies taking a few back handers to get this passed.
I fully understand that the work, as important as it is, has to be done, but all at the same time, really!