HGV Diversions To Increase As Brading Road Closure Forces Traffic Through Villages

Heavy goods vehicles are set to face even longer diversion routes as a key road through Brading is closed, forcing large vehicles through the villages of Bembridge and St Helens.

Island Roads is due to begin works at Elenor’s Grove, between Fishbourne and Ryde, with the scheme expected to last around three months.

During this time, a one-way closure will divert traffic heading into Ryde — including HGVs — along a signed route via Arreton, Lake, Sandown and Brading.

However, from 2 February, New Road in Brading will also close for up to four weeks, removing a vital link in the diversion.

As a result, HGVs will be required to follow an even longer route through Bembridge and St Helens in order to reach Ryde.

The change is expected to significantly increase traffic levels through both villages, coming just days after the reopening of Embankment Road, which itself caused weeks of disruption while closed.

One local firm has warned that as many as 15 articulated lorries per day will need to pass through the villages, with the diversion adding more than 20 miles to journeys from the Fishbourne ferry.

Island Roads has confirmed that New Road will be closed 24 hours a day, with no vehicle access permitted, citing safety concerns. The work involves full reconstruction of the road, despite it having previously been resurfaced under the PFI contract, after deterioration over time.

Concerns have been raised about the scale of the diversion and the impact on East Wight communities, particularly with other ongoing roadworks elsewhere on the Island.

Meanwhile, further disruption is expected from today (Monday) in the Newport area, with the return of a one-way system at Horsebridge Hill for the next three months, adding to what is likely to be a challenging period for Isle of Wight road users.