Blackwater Hollow to Birchmore Lane improvements

Published by Tim Thorne in Campaigning · 2 June 2024

We are writing to inform you of forthcoming cycle track improvement work that is due to take place shortly. The work, which is estimated to last five weeks, is designed to address the frequent flooding of a section of the Newport to Sandown cycle track between Blackwater Hollow and Birchmore Lane. This improvement will involve the raising and resurfacing of 120 metres of the track where flooding is most frequent (area highlighted in blue on the plan below) and also the resurfacing of a further 540 metres (area highlighted in red on the plan below) to improve the quality of the surface. The work is being done at this time of year because the area we are improving needs to be dry. To minimise inconvenience, we have sought to use the window outside of both school/public holidays and events such as Walk the Wight when the path is particularly busy, and the main summer holiday season. During work, it will be necessary to close a section of the track between Blackwater Hollow and Birchmore Lane but a short diversion, which will be signed, will enable pedestrians and cyclists to continue to travel between Blackwater and Merstone (and beyond). We apologise for any inconvenience this project may cause but, as users of this track will know, the work to reduce the occurrences of flooding and to improve the surface will be of great benefit to the Island’s walking/cycling infrastructure. Please note that the start and finish times of the project may be subject to change due to issues such as inclement weather. This is particularly so as this location is prone to flooding. Key information about this work: Location of works: • Cycle Track from a point approx. 100 metres south of Blackwater Hollow to Birchmore Lane Estimated date of works: • Starting Week Commencing 10th June 24 to 12 July 24 Estimated duration of works: • Approx. five weeks (Monday to Friday) Time of works: • 07:30 - 17:00 Safety measures during works: • Cycle Track Closure between Blackwater Hollow and Birchmore Lane / At all times • There will be no through access for cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians. Island Roads St. Christopher House, 42 Daish Way, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5XJ Tel: 01983 822440 www.islandroads.com Ringway Island Roads Ltd Registered Office: Albion House, Springfield Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 2RW Registered in England No: 8108944 VAT Registered No. 321 9318 74 Location Map For more information you can: Call: Island Roads Help Desk by telephoning: 01983 822440 Email: Island Roads Help Desk via; info@islandroads.com View: Our website: www.islandroads.com for more information about Island Roads and the services we provide and to view future planned works happening in your local area. Thank you We would like to thank you in advance for your assistance in enabling us to complete these works. Regards Island Roads For large print or more informa/on, please contact a member of the Island Roads Team on: ▪ Help desk number: 01983 822440 ▪ Email: info@islandroads.com