The Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads are moving forward with plans to reopen Belgrave Road in Ventnor, which has remained closed since March after a major rockfall caused extensive damage.

The closure followed the collapse of tonnes of debris from an adjacent rockface onto the highway, severely damaging the road surface, retaining walls, and parapets below. A recent inspection by a specialist rope access team revealed that further large sections of the rockface are at risk of collapse in the coming years. Weaker, crumbling areas have also been identified as sources of potential smaller, frequent rockfalls.

To address these hazards, Island Roads has recommended the installation of a rock netting system, similar to that used successfully at nearby Gills Cliff Road. The netting is designed to stabilise the cliff and prevent further debris from falling onto the road.

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Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council are now working at pace to develop the necessary designs and obtain approvals to begin the cliff stabilisation works this autumn. Final preparations are underway with designers and specialist contractors to determine the methodology and sequencing of the work, with efforts focused on carrying out tasks simultaneously where possible to minimise the length of the project.

The project involves complex operations and must follow professional advice, with detailed planning and risk management required due to the nature of the unstable cliff.

In addition to restoring vehicle access, the council and Island Roads are exploring ways to provide safe pedestrian access through the work zone at the earliest possible stage, even as repairs to the damaged lower areas of Belgrave Road continue.

The goal remains to reopen the road as soon as it is safely possible, with both the council and Island Roads assuring the community that all steps are being taken to accelerate the timeline while ensuring safety.