By Isle of Wight Observer
Fears that another key route into Ventnor could be closed over the Easter holiday break were allayed this week after Island Roads carried out emergency repairs.
Cracks in Newport Road, in Upper Ventnor, caused alarm after they appeared recently and got progressively wider. However, Island Roads closed the road overnight on Wednesday to make the route safe. A spokesman said: “We are obviously aware of the importance of this route, particularly while Leeson Road is closed.
“We are monitoring the ‘Graben’, a known geological fault, at Newport Road very closely as we always do.
“We have intervened in this location to maintain a safe highway several times since the beginning of the highways PFI project, and will continue to do so as necessary. We also plan to take action to seal recent cracking, but this is best done in dry conditions when the substructure has had the chance to de-water and the sealant itself is more effectively laid.
“At the same time, Southern Water also has drainage issues at Newport Road which need to be addressed. So far, we have liaised with Southern Water to limit their work while Leeson Road is closed.”
The Island Roads’ spokesman issued a warning that the situation could change. He added: “However, should the need for these works – or other safety work – become urgent in order to maintain infrastructure, then we will have to consider how these are best managed given the wider traffic issues.”
