A major Isle of Wight route linking upper and lower Ventnor has been closed for emergency works, leaving only two ways in and out of the town.
Newport Road has been shut by Southern Water at The Graben this evening (Tuesday, August 4).
According to online roadworks portal OneNetwork, engineers are inspecting an underground manhole chamber beneath the road.
Temporary traffic lights were in place earlier today before the road was fully closed.
The closure comes at the same time as ongoing works on Shanklin Road between Victoria Avenue and Whiteley Bank – the usual diversion route during past closures at The Graben.
Instead, drivers at Whiteley Bank must continue to Apse Heath on Canteen Road before travelling via Lake and Shanklin, then entering Ventnor through Luccombe and Leeson Road.
Alternatively, motorists can reach the town via Whitwell Road.
Public transport has also been disrupted by the closure.
Southern Vectis buses have been forced to divert, with one service this evening reaching The Graben while travelling towards Newport before having to continue along Gills Cliff Road and loop back into the town.
The bus company has confirmed its route 3 service will:
Divert from Whiteley Bank onto Canteen Road, Ventnor Road, Newport Road, Whitecross Lane Landguard Road, Shanklin High Street, Shanklin Old Village, Leeson Road, right into St Boniface Road and continue normal the normal route at Spring Hill.
Wroxall and Upper Ventnor will not be served, and the diversion is operating in both directions.
Share