Isle of Wight traffic chaos in Ventnor with longer diversion planned

It will mean traffic leaving the town will instead have to divert via Niton and Chale Green.

Island Roads has said it will “better accommodate the additional volume of traffic currently being diverted along this route”.

A road closure is in place at Newport Road and Ocean View Road, due to a damaged sewer.

One-way system between Whitwell and Godshill. (Image: Island Roads)

A dip appeared in the road yesterday (Monday) and Southern Water is carrying out repairs.

It coincided with the closure of Leeson Road, the main road between Ventnor and Shanklin, due to a large landslip at Bonchurch.

Currently, it means traffic can only access Ventnor via Whitwell Road.

However, Island Roads has now said it wants a one-way system between Whitwell and Godshill.

A spokesperson said: “Southern Water is currently investigating the extent of the damaged sewer at Newport Road, Ventnor. Once these initial investigations are complete, we will have a better idea of how long remedial work will take and, therefore, when the highway can be reopened.

“Naturally, we will be encouraging Southern Water to complete the works as soon as possible.

“We have requested that Southern Water create a one-way system from Godshill to Whitwell to better accommodate the additional volume of traffic currently being diverted along this route.”

It will mean vehicles leaving Ventnor via Whitwell Road will have to turn off at Kemming Road and drive through Niton and Chale Green – adding even longer to people’s journeys.

The closures have also led to disruption on buses.

Southern Vectis said its route 3 cannot serve the area and a shuttle service is in place between Ventnor and Godshill.

Simon Moye, Southern Vectis operations manager, said: “Our route 3 buses are turning at Wroxall temporarily, and we hope to get to Upper Ventnor once the parking restrictions are in place.

“We would also recommend, if in Newport, to catch the route 6 for direct journeys to Ventnor.”