ISLAND Roads is set to begin a major road improvement scheme on one of the main routes in and out of Shanklin.
Victoria Avenue, along the main Shanklin to Godshill route, is to be upgraded, which will require significant excavation and rebuilding before it is resurfaced.
Phase one starts on May 2.
Given the extensive nature of the work, the company said it would be necessary to fully close Victoria Avenue, between the junction with Westhill Road and the junction with the High Street, around the clock for about 17 days and nights in three phases.
HGVs and through traffic will be diverted via Shanklin Road, Whiteley Bank, Canteen Road, Ventnor Road, Newport Road, Apse Heath, Newport Road and Sandown Road, Lake, and in Shanklin — Arthurs Hill, North Road and High Street.
Pedestrian access will be maintained.
Residents and local businesses have all received letters giving them details of the scheme and how they will be affected.
Island Roads staff will also be taking its mobile visitor centre to St John’s Road car park, Shanklin, on Wednesday, between 11am and 1pm, so they can answer any questions.
On local elections day on May 4, residents should note vehicular access will be maintained, via St John’s Road, to the polling station at the Shanklin Youth and Community Centre, at the junction of Victoria Avenue and Salem Road, with pedestrian access.
As Victoria Avenue will be closed to through traffic, parking will be permitted on-street between Salem Road and St John’s Road for the day.
Island Roads project engineer, Derek Benfield, said: “As this is a particularly extensive project, it will not be possible to deliver the work under an overnight closure.
“We’ve taken steps to minimise disruption, but with a scheme of this nature, it is inevitable there will be some temporary inconvenience, so we’d like to thank residents and businesses in advance for their support and understanding.
“Those who know the area will be aware this section is in poor condition and the work will not only provide a greatly improved road surface, but also designed to address the underlying issues that have caused the road to deteriorate.
“We’re aware works need to be undertaken on the remainder of Victoria Avenue and it is Island Roads’ intention to return later in the year, outside the main tourist season, to complete it.”
Updates on the progress of the scheme will be given via Twitter and Island Roads’ website www.islandroads.com