Road closures galore as major works hit key routes

The second phase of Southern Water’s £5 million project to future‑proof the Island’s water mains is now well under way, with one way diversions in place between Newport and Cowes following the start of work on Monday. The diversion for Cowes-bound traffic is via Forest Road, Whitehouse Road, Rolls Hill Road and Pallance Road. The road is open as usual for traffic travelling from Cowes. One‑way traffic management between Cowes and Newport will remain in place until April 17.

Another one way scheme

In addition, the A3054 at Elenors Grove will also be affected between Fishbourne and Ryde from Monday, with diversions due to be in place until April 10. During the works, Elenors Grove will operate as a one-way system with no access towards Ryde. All traffic heading towards Ryde will have to follow the signed diversion via Wootton and Briddlesford Road; light traffic can divert via The Downs and Ashey, whilst HGVs will be diverted via Arreton, Lake and Brading to reach Ryde. Buses and emergency vehicles will continue to access the road under manual traffic light control.

Even more disruption for the next month

However for the next four weeks there will be major improvement works to New Road, in Brading to carry out resurfacing and structural repairs along sections between Marshcombe Shute and the High Street. This will mean an extended diversion for HGVs through Bembridge and St Helens. Southern Vectis has confirmed the number 2 and number 3 bus services will also divert via St Helens and Bembridge.

The work at Brading involves deeper-than-usual excavations to tackle underlying issues that have led to deterioration of the highway. Island Roads will be using two crews to help minimise the duration of the works.

One crew will work under a full road closure between Marshcombe Shute and Wrax Road. Pedestrian access will be maintained and, although the road will not be open as a through route, residents’ access will be allowed where it is safe.

A second crew will operate between Station Gardens and the High Street, under 24-hour temporary traffic signals, allowing vehicles to pass through under controlled conditions.

Island Roads said the scheme had been scheduled for winter to avoid disruption on a key route during the main tourism season. A spokesman said: “We realise we are undertaking this work at a time when there is a lot of other activity on the network, including that by utility companies.

“The work in New Road is urgently needed and not doing a comprehensive upgrade now runs the risk of a series of temporary fixes under emergency closures during the summer.”

Why are Southern Water digging up our roads?

Southern Water has already replaced more than 4,000 metres (2 1/2-mile) of ageing pipes – some dating back to the mid‑Victorian era – and is now upgrading a further 1,500m (almost a mile). The mains have suffered repeated bursts over the past decade, and the new pipes are expected to cut leakage, reduce emergency repairs, and improve supply reliability.

The company said the programme had been planned around the summer season and major Island events, but warns that more road closures are expected throughout 2026, with a further 7,000m (4 1/4-mile) of mains due for replacement across the Island.

Senior project manager, Nicholas Marshall, said teams were working as quickly as possible: “We know traffic management is frustrating, but these upgrades are essential. We’re grateful for everyone’s patience, and will continue to keep customers updated.”