A major road surfacing project is expected to lead to some disruption across the Isle of Wight this month (May).

A total of 23 locations are being earmarked for highway improvements, with approximately 100,000 square metres of carriageway being treated to improve the surface and prevent potholes.

Island Roads has said the programme is likely to be the "most intense period of work we have undertaken for several years."

Although the firm said it is a quick process and hopes to keep disruption to a minimum, it accepts there will be some "challenges" posed by certain roads.

Among the key routes which are expected to be treated include four sections of Whippingham Road, East Cowes; three sections of Calbourne Road, Newport; and four sections of Freshwater Road, Shalfleet.

A spokesperson for Island Roads said: "We are aware that some of the roads we plan to treat – such as Whippingham Road – do present some particular challenges and we will be engaging with those stakeholders in the coming weeks.

“But we are looking forward to a programme that will bring considerable safety benefits across the Island as well as prolonging the lifespan of the treated roads by making them less susceptible to potholes.”

The programme of surface dressing is designed to both increase skid resistance and also seal the carriageway surface, preventing water ingress which is the major cause for potholes forming.

Works are scheduled to be carried out between the two May Bank Holidays.

Island Roads said the preparation work may be required in some areas.

After the roads are treated, crews will also need to return to reinstate cats’ eyes and line markings.

Emergency vehicles will be able to pass through work sites at all times.

A list of the 23 roads earmarked for works are as follows:

  • Freshwater Road, Shalfleet (four sections)
  • Ash Road, Newport
  • Westhill Lane, Yarmouth
  • Place Road, Cowes
  • Alum Bay New Road, Totland (two sections)
  • Weston Lane, Totland
  • Calbourne Road, Newport (three sections)
  • Whippingham Road, East Cowes (four sections)
  • Bowcombe Road, Carisbrooke (eight sections)
  • Quay Lane, Brading
  • Lower Green Road, St Helens
  • St James’ Street, Ryde
  • Market Street, Ryde
  • Ratcliffe Avenue, Ryde
  • Arthur Street, Ryde
  • Luccombe Road, Shanklin (two sections)
  • Swains Road, Bembridge (two sections)
  • Chatsworth Avenue, Shanklin
  • Windsor Drive, Shanklin (two sections)
  • Shore Road, Ventnor (two sections)
  • Undercliff Drive, Niton (three sections)
  • Niton Road, Godshill (two sections)
  • Newport Road, Niton (two sections)