Sections of the much-loved shared route along the old railway line between Wootton and Binfield will be closed during February and March as part of a major improvement project.
The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that the two-kilometre stretch will be resurfaced and drainage issues addressed, thanks to funding from the Government’s Levelling-Up programme.
This work is one element of the council’s wider Island Green Link initiative – a £13.6 million investment to create a sustainable travel corridor between Ryde and Yarmouth.
The scheme will deliver new cycling and walking routes, bus infrastructure upgrades, and accessibility improvements, with projects phased over time.
Work is scheduled for the quieter winter months to minimise disruption, but temporary closures will be necessary while resurfacing takes place.
Diversions will be clearly signposted via Racecourse and Lushington Hill, with alternative routes using either the crematorium access road or Station Road, depending on which section is being worked on.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said:
“This investment is a real boost for the Island’s sustainable travel network.
Article continues below this advertisement “The resurfacing will make the route smoother, safer and more accessible for everyone, whether you’re walking, cycling or riding.
“By tackling the flooding issues that have affected this section, we’re ensuring it can be enjoyed all year round. It’s part of our wider commitment to improving green routes and encouraging active travel across the Island.”
The project is expected to be completed by the end of March.
It’s about time IW Council installed cycle lanes
Islandwide.
There are too many dirty Diesel and Petrol vehicles
polluting this beautiful small island
“There are too many dirty Diesel and Petrol vehicles polluting this beautiful small island”
well I’m sure you’ll be pleased that all of my vehicles are ‘clean’ diesels then…
Mind you,.. I agree that “It’s about time IW Council installed cycle lanes Islandwide”.. too many f’ing cyclists on the roads… holding up long queues of traffic..
especially frustrating when a cycle path is provided, but the cyclists choose to use the road instead to deliberately hold up the traffic
& why, when cyclists are bound by the highway code, as much as motorists,.. don’t they obey it…
Rule 169Do not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle. Check your mirrors frequently, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.
I have never seen a cyclist do that !!!
You’re both talking silly. You eat foods and fruits all sprayed with chemicals, tap water with bleach and fluoride, Shampoo harm your skin. Said that petrol and diesel are dirty to breathe, and everything is bad on the Isle of Wight.
How about fixing roads for the people that pay tax, insurance, and mot to drive on them??
About time, now connect it to the stretch that was resurfaced a couple of years ago at the Newport end. We would not then get a 2 mile tailback at peak times following a cyclist on the road.
Why is it most time someone posts on Islandecho it is a “trolling” article designed to elicit similar responses. Initial comment about cycle lanes was constructive, then the comment labelling all diesels dirty, which is not true.
Then it descends into Car Vs cyclists. I ride a bike, but I also have a clean 12 month old car, so i pay tax and insurance. I have liability insurance as well for my bike. If I am legally riding my bike where there is no cycle lane, tough! wait to pass me safely, not cut me up because I have slowed your jouney down by 30 seconds. Cycle lanes are NOT compulsory, I cycle about 20 mph and fairlee road cycle path for example would be dangerous with all the driveways it crosses. How supid to state cyclists deliberately dont use cycle lanes to annoy motorists! I cycle 150 miles a week and the poor driving and red light jumping i see is a daily occurance. I have a bike Cam and have successfully reported 4 motorists already in 2026. Rule 169 is for tractors and the like, not bicycles. Any competent motorist could pass cyclists easily after minimal delay. Not stoke the anti cyclists brigade on the Island. IoW is a holiday Island it is advertised as a cyclist paradise, I just hope holidaymakers dont meet motorists lik the OP