Motorists Facing Delays After Motorcycle Crash Closes Newport Diversion Route

Motorists heading into Newport are facing significant delays following a motorcycle crash, which temporarily forced the closure of the main diversion route into the town this morning (Tuesday).

Police and paramedics were called to Whiterails Road (Staplers Road), between Butterfly World and Monkey Haven, where a motorcycle was involved in a road traffic collision.

The road — being used by all traffic heading into Newport from East Cowes, Wootton and Ryde due to the planned closure of Fairlee Road — was shut in both directions.

The incident happened just before 07:00, when an articulated lorry struck a tree branch, which then hit the motorcyclist.

Traffic quickly tailed back towards Wootton Common ahead of the morning rush hour, with delays worsening. Yesterday, queues stretched more than 4 miles towards East Cowes on the first day of the Fairlee Road closure.

Drivers travelling into Newport this morning are being urged to prepare for longer delays, with diversions in place via Briddlesford Road and Long Lane — or Blacklands Lane for light traffic.

Southern Vectis has confirmed that Route 5 and 9 buses are diverting via Long Lane until further notice.

Police have since reopened Whiterails Road, but traffic remains heavy in the area as congestion begins to ease.