The road surface at Blackwater, which has started melting,
UPDATED WEDNESDAY 14:22*
CHIPPINGS were today (Tuesday) being spread on Isle of Wight roads, melting in the mini heatwave.
An Isle of Wight contractor was carrying out the work, predominantly on the main road at Blackwater, which just weeks ago had to be treated after the last spell of hot weather caused it to melt.
The road is to be closed between 4pm today, from the junction of Blackwater Hollow to Crouchers Cross junction with Merstone Lane, while work is carried out. The council said it hoped to re-open the road by the morning, if temperatures allowed.
It was one of the stretches re-surfaced by a mainland contractor in the early summer.
The Isle of Wight Council then said a protracted spell of cool weather was needed for it to permanently set.
But, despite the recent cool temperatures, the heavily trafficked route was today reduced to a sticky mess and the surface dressing was lifting.
Drivers were advised to take alternative routes and the council confirmed the mainland contractor was paying for remedial measures.
A council spokesman said yesterday: "High temperatures today have caused the re-emergence of problems faced earlier this year with the softening of binder on some surfaces on Island highways.
"From noon today the council has been treating the most badly affected roads with a dusting of smaller chippings.
"This has been in agreement with the contractor who surfaced these sections of highway earlier this year and has again confirmed they will meet the cost of this, together with final remedial treatment.
"A section of road from Blackwater to Merstone, where the problem is most severe, has been closed on safety grounds for further works to be carried out. Diversions are being put in place.
"It remains the intention, if temperatures allow, to re-open the road if possible overnight and in the morning. Updates will appear on iwight.com, on Facebook and in the media."
A council spkesman said today (Wednesday) there were no scheduled road closures, however the authority was monitoring conditions and would take action as necessary.
*At 2.07pm the council said: "Ongoing work will be carried out on several stretches of road where the surface is becoming soft in the high temperatures.
"These roads will remain open during the work with traffic controlled by stop/go boards.
"The sections of road are the main Cowes-Newport Road, Brading Downs Road, Quarr Hill, Blackwater Shute and Downend Road.
"A similar approach will be taken on other roads if required. This may create dusty conditions so drivers are urged to take extra care in these affected areas.
"The work involves treating affected roads with a dusting of smaller chippings. This has been in agreement with the contractor who surfaced these sections of highway earlier this year and has again confirmed they will meet the cost of this, together with final remedial treatment."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk