By Isle of Wight Observer
Specialist ground engineering works, hoped to facilitate the full re-opening of Leeson Road, Ventnor, will start on September 9.
The project involves drilling three boreholes to analyse the area’s geology after December’s landslip. The boreholes, at around 110-metres (360ft) deep, are the deepest ever undertaken on the Island. Core samples will be taken and monitored for ground movement and water levels — key factors in landslips.
Data from the boreholes will complement existing monitoring equipment, offering a comprehensive view of ongoing movement and risks. This information will enable the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads to develop an early warning system, allowing Leeson Road to be re-opened, but closed immediately if significant movement is detected.
The initiative will also aid geo-scientists in understanding the unique ground formation of the Undercliff area, north western Europe’s largest urban landslide system.
Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, said, “This data will provide both long-term insights and short-term information necessary for the early warning system, allowing us to re-open Leeson Road without ongoing traffic management.”
Michelle Love, service director for highways and community protection, added, “These boreholes will provide us with the real-time data needed to keep Leeson Road open safely. While we can’t guarantee anything until the data is analysed, we are hopeful this work will be crucial for the safe re-opening of Leeson Road.”
The road will be closed from 10pm on September 8 to facilitate the works, with the aim to re-open by Christmas. The council and Island Roads will co-ordinate with utility companies to minimise roadworks in the Ventnor area during this period, excluding emergency works for public safety.
