Belgrave Road, Ventnor – Update on reopening plans

The Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads are continuing efforts to re-open Belgrave Road in Ventnor.

The road has been closed since March when tonnes of debris fell onto the highway from an adjacent rockface, damaging both the road surface, and parapets and retaining walls below.

A recent assessment of the remaining rockface by a specialist rope access team has identified a risk that further significant sections of rock could fail in the coming years. Additionally, an area of weak and crumbling rock must be removed due to its potential to cause frequent smaller falls.

To mitigate these risks, Island Roads has recommended the installation of a rock netting system, similar to that used at nearby Gills Cliff Road to stabilise the cliff face and preventing further rockfall.

Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council are now working at pace to progress the necessary designs and approvals which will allow this work to commence on site this autumn.

“We know the Ventnor community wants to see Belgrave Road open as soon as possible. We do too, and we can assure local residents and businesses that we are doing what we can, as quickly as we can, to get the job done,” said Michelle Love, Isle of Wight Council service director for highways and community protection.

Joanne Saunders, Island Roads structures manager, said: “This is specialist work which must be done diligently and in accordance with professional advice. What may seem like a simple clearance is in fact a complex operation requiring specialist contractors, detailed sequencing, designed temporary and permanent works, and robust risk management.”

Island Roads are currently working with designers and contractors to finalise the methodology and sequencing of works. As far as possible, work will be carried out simultaneously to reduce the overall programme length. As per the previous update, work will progress this autumn with the intention to reopen the road at the earliest opportunity.

Provision is being considered to allow pedestrian access through the work area as soon as this can safely be achieved and whilst work progresses on the damaged areas below Belgrave Road.