Leeson Road information.

Update July 22 2025

An extensive array of monitoring equipment now in place at Leeson Road continues to provide regular reliable data about the ground conditions.

The equipment was installed as a major part of the project to re-open the road, which connects Shanklin and Ventnor, following a huge landslip there in December 2023.

Some of the equipment is located within three boreholes, the deepest of which is well over 100 ft to the bottom. The equipment in the boreholes and on the surface of Leeson Road measure ground movement and water pressure to inform Island Roads and the IW Council of changes that may indicate land movement.

In addition to weekly reviews of this data, there are weekly site inspections.

Examination of all the latest data indicates the highway is stable with no significant changes or immediate risks identified. The risk rating for Leeson Road remains green.

Monitoring Insights:

• Tiltmeters: An array of 20 number tiltmeters installed above the headscarp of The Landslip show no significant rotation of the ground.
• GNSS Data: Precise positioning of three fixed ground stations by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has shown no significant ground movement.
• Extensometers: three extensometers have shown no notable horizontal ground movement since installation.
• Piezometers: Installed at multiple levels within deep boreholes, have recorded no groundwater, suggesting free-draining conditions. The relatively dry weather in recent months is likely to be a factor.
• Inclinometers: Installed in deep boreholes, no sub-surface ground movement or shear surfaces have been detected.
• Drone Surveys: No significant ground movement has been detected along Leeson Road, but ongoing settlement of the landslide and erosion at the toe of the landslide has been noted.

The ongoing accumulation of data throughout different seasons and conditions will continue to advance our knowledge and understanding of The Landslip and guide future management strategies.

For archived updates on Leeson Road  and Ventnor accessibility visit this link here.