Resurfacing Work Planned For Popular Island Route

Parts of the popular shared path along the old railway line between Wootton and Binfield will be closed during February and March while improvement works take place.

The Isle of Wight Council says the two-kilometre stretch is being resurfaced and drainage problems fixed, funded through the Government’s Levelling Up programme.

The work forms part of the council’s wider Island Green Link project – a £13.6 million scheme aimed at creating a sustainable travel route between Ryde and Yarmouth, with better walking and cycling links, improved bus infrastructure and enhanced accessibility.

To reduce disruption, the work has been scheduled for the quieter winter period, but temporary closures will be needed while resurfacing is carried out.

Clearly signposted diversions will be in place via Racecourse and Lushington Hill, with alternative routes using either the crematorium access road or Station Road, depending on which section is closed.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said the investment would make a real difference.

She said the resurfacing would make the route “smoother, safer and more accessible” and that tackling long-standing flooding issues would allow it to be used all year round.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of March.