A main road in and out of Bembridge on the Isle of Wight is to shut from Monday (January 12) for three weeks, to allow for postponed Southern Water works.
After an outcry from residents, the proposed closure of Embankment Road, right before Christmas was scrapped, with a new date set to be confirmed.
Now, an offical traffic notice states that the road, between St Helens and Bembridge, will be closed from 9am on Monday.
It is scheduled to remain shut until 6pm on January 30, 2026, although this could be subject to change.
Read more:
"This temporary closure is essential for utility works and is set to remain in place until the works have been completed", the official notice reads.
During the closure on Monday, there will be changes to Southern Vectis's routes 8/59/71.
During this time, services towards Ryde will operate via Sherbourne Avenue, High Street, Foreland Road, Steyne Road to reach Marshcombe Shute and then via Brading and Carpenters Road to reach St Helens.
Bus stops Bembridge Church/ Ducie Avenue to St Helens Downsview Road can not be served.
This will operate in both directions.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused", a Southern Vectis spokesperson said.
As previously reported, Embankment Road was set to close for three weeks, from December 1 to 21, for sewer works.
However, this would have coincided with four-month gas main replacement programme on Hillway Road, Peacock Road and Sandown Road — the other main route into the village.
Following uproar, Southern Water agreed to postpone the works, saying they would not take place in 2025.
Southern Water has previously described the sewer works as “vital” to prevent flooding in local homes.
Its previous closure plans drew criticism from Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson, who said it it was “very bad timing” as businesses feared a crippling blow to Christmas trade.
Meanwhile, Bembridge Parish Council warned the timing could devastate High Street trade.
There was also criticism over a 'lack of proper consultation'.
Southern Water said it had sent almost 4,000 letters to customers in Bembridge, St Helens, and Brading in advance, however.
Share