Shuttle Bus Helps Wroxall Residents Stay Connected During Road Closure

A new shuttle bus service has been introduced to help Wroxall residents stay connected while major road reconstruction works continue in the village.

The shuttle, running between Wroxall and Upper Ventnor, is the result of a joint effort between Southern Vectis, the Isle of Wight Council, and Island Roads.

It’s designed to minimise disruption for local people while essential improvements to the main Wroxall route are carried out.

The 12-week scheme involves a full closure of St John’s Road, High Street, and Clarence Road as the carriageway is rebuilt and resurfaced.

While the Number 3 bus is being diverted via Shanklin and Ventnor, the new shuttle provides a vital link for residents needing to travel between Wroxall and Upper Ventnor seven days a week.

To ensure the service can operate safely, ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ cones have been placed at the eastern end of the bus layby outside St Francis Primary School on Newport Road, Ventnor.

Residents are being asked not to park in this area to avoid disruption to services.

For travel outside the shuttle’s operating hours, the nearest alternative stops are at Whiteley Bank (for Wroxall) and Ventnor Boots (for Upper Ventnor).

Following community feedback, an exemption has also been introduced to allow ENCTS (English National Concessionary Travel Scheme) passes to be used on the 9.20am shuttle from Upper Ventnor and the 9.11am service from Albert Street.

Michelle Love, service director for highways and community safety at the Isle of Wight Council, said:

“We understand how important reliable transport links are for Wroxall residents, especially during a period of disruption.

"This shuttle service is a practical solution to help people stay connected while we carry out these much-needed improvements.”

The multi-million pound project is being delivered in seven phases, starting with a 350-metre section of Clarence Road between Mountfield Road and Manor Road.

Each phase involves deep excavations to strengthen the road foundations before resurfacing — a process expected to reduce future maintenance but which requires full closures while work takes place.

The scheme is scheduled to finish by February 27, with a two-week break over Christmas and New Year.

However, the timetable could change depending on winter weather, ground conditions or unmapped utility services.

Full details of the shuttle timetable, school transport arrangements and Number 3 diversions can be found on the Southern Vectis website: islandbuses.info/wroxall-road-closure-bus-travel-information.

Updates on the roadworks and a full phasing plan are available via the Island Roads website: Island Roads | Wroxall road improvement.