This is how the streets of Gurnard will soon look as work to revamp the roads with new sustainable drainage solutions gets underway this week.
The scheme is part of a partnership with Isle of Wight Council and Southern Water to slow the flow of rainwater entering our sewers. It is when these pipes become overloaded by this influx of water that storm overflows are more likely to be activated – to prevent homes and communities from flooding.
The work in Gurnard is across 1.72 hectares of roadside land and is forecast to prevent around 170,000 litres of water from entering the sewers during a 10mm rainfall event – equivalent to more than 700,000 cups of tea. Over the course of a year, this will make a big difference in slowing the flow of water entering the combined sewer.
The work, which has this week led to a 6-month closure of Woodvale Road as previously reported by Island Echo, will provide multiple benefits through reducing storm overflows alongside flooding and pollution in this area.
Other roads to benefit from this work include Albert Road, Worsley Road, Solent View Road and Woodvale Close, with work to take place over the next 18 months.
Harry Buckingham from Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, says:
“We’re excited to start this work to make this roads greener and help slow the flow of water running off roads and ending in our sewer network. We know these works will be disruptive over the next 12 months and we have done everything we can to ensure that this is kept to a minimum.”
The scheme follows news that the Task Force’s work on the Island has already helped make a difference in reducing storm overflows, with 300 spills prevented in 2 years.
Quite imaginative plans to soften road edges with plants, but ‘what’s with’ the chap running towards the road ?
Imaginative sketches as well, hedges have misteriously replaced garden walls and houses!
Great to see the Double Yellow Lines,
now for some speed humps.