Temporary Military Road Closure Scheduled Ahead Of Coastal Footpath Improvements

The Isle of Wight Council is advising residents about upcoming footpath improvements this spring, which will require a temporary closure of a short section of Military Road.

The works are being carried out in partnership with Island Roads, Natural England and local landowners, and are designed to unlock a key stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path — specifically the IOW4 section between Binnel Bay and Chilton Chine.

Phase One of the project begins on March 2 and will last around six weeks.

This includes building 480 metres of new self-binding gravel footway on either side of Brighstone Viaduct, close to Grange Chine.

Once completed, walkers will be able to enjoy continuous National Trail access along the coast between Culver Down and Colwell Bay.

For safety reasons, the affected stretch of Military Road will be closed on weekdays throughout Phase One, reopening at weekends under temporary traffic signals.

No vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists will be able to pass through the closure during weekdays.

A signed diversion route will be in place, and the road will remain open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, although temporary lights will still operate.

Further short closures — lasting no more than a day — are planned later in May as part of Phases Two and Three. These will include creating a safer pedestrian route through the banks at Grange Chine and installing a new footbridge.

The changes are needed after the original coastal footbridge was lost to storm damage and erosion.

With widening chimes and unstable banks making a beach-level replacement unfeasible, an inland alternative has been designed.

All England Coast Path works are fully funded by Natural England, with off-road sections secured thanks to cooperation from local landowners.

Darrel Clarke, Rights of Way Manager at the Isle of Wight Council, says while a fully coastal route is no longer possible at Grange Chine, the improvements will bring long-term benefits.

He added that the new inland section will still offer stunning views of the viaduct and help residents and visitors enjoy the Island’s first National Trail for many years to come.

All works are expected to be completed by the end of May, paving the way for continuous coastal walking to open this summer.