About Island Roads 

What does Island Roads do? 

Island Roads manages and maintains the majority of the Isle of Wight’s highway network on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council. Our role is to keep the Project Network safe, serviceable and accessible for residents, businesses and visitors. This includes maintaining a defined list of assets including roads, pavements, bridges, drainage systems, street lighting, traffic signs and road markings, as well as providing winter maintenance, grass cutting and street cleansing services.  

In addition to day-to-day maintenance, we inspect and monitor thousands of highway assets across the Island, respond to emergencies, deliver capital improvement schemes, coordinate roadworks, manage permits for work on the highway and provide technical advice to the Council on highway matters. We also work closely with utility companies, emergency services, local councils and community groups to help ensure the highway network operates safely and efficiently.  

Through the Island’s long-term PFI contract, Island Roads is responsible not only for repairing defects but also for managing the network strategically, using condition data, inspections and asset management principles to prioritise investment and maintain consistent standards across the Island. 

Who are Island Roads? 

Island Roads is the organisations responsible for managing and maintaining the Isle of Wight’s highway network on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council. This includes an island based local team of over 200 employees delivers a wide range of essential highway services.  

While Island Roads is proud to be based on the Isle of Wight and focused on serving local communities, we are part of Ringway in the UK as well as the wider Vinci Group of companies. This enables us to combine local knowledge with access to national expertise, innovation and resources from one of the world’s leading infrastructure organisations. 

What is the PFI contract? 

The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract is a long-term agreement between the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads to improve, manage and maintain the Island’s highway network. The contract was established following significant Government investment in the Island’s roads and highway infrastructure. The Isle of Wight was one of only five areas in England, and the only rural authority, to secure this level of investment.  

The term Private Finance Initiative refers to the way the initial investment was funded. Rather than the Government providing all the money upfront, private sector finance was used to fund major improvements to the highway network. This enabled a significant programme of improvements to be delivered in the early years of the contract, bringing roads, pavements, bridges, drainage systems and other highway assets up to a much higher standard than would otherwise have been possible. 

Road Condition

Why aren’t all roads resurfaced? 

The PFI contract focuses on improving the condition of the network overall. This means maintaining a consistent standard rather than resurfacing every road. However, the contract also sets a minimum condition above which all roads must be kept. 

Are road conditions improving? 

Yes, significant investment has improved the Island’s roads, with national data showing major improvements in network condition over time. Recent Government data on roads where maintenance should be considered, known as ‘Red Roads’, illustrates this significant improvement. For strategic (main) roads, the Island has improved from joint 144th worst area in 2013 to joint 1st in 2025. For more rural (B and C) roads, using the same measure, the Island has improved from joint 133rd in 2013 to joint 1st in 2025. 

When assessing road condition, it is important to recognise that roads are grouped into different districts and hierarchies. Major A roads, local roads and residential streets serve different purposes and are managed to different standards. In addition, the contract divides the island into six districts which have to achieve an average score. National condition surveys measure the overall condition of the network rather than individual roads. This means that while some roads may still appear to require improvement, the overall condition of the Island’s highway network has improved significantly. 

Roadworks

Why are there so many roadworks? 

Roadworks can be inconvenient, but they are necessary to keep the Island’s roads and essential services safe and operational. Work on the highway is carried out by a range of organisations, including Island Roads, utility companies, developers and other statutory undertakers. 

More than 60% of roadworks are undertaken by utility companies to maintain or improve services such as water, gas, electricity and telecommunications. These organisations have a legal right to access the highway when work is required. 

Island Roads also carries out maintenance and improvement work to roads, pavements, drainage systems, bridges, street lighting and other highway assets, as well as supporting new developments and infrastructure projects. 

Safety is always the primary consideration. Many roads on the Isle of Wight are narrow, meaning there is often insufficient space to safely accommodate traffic and the workforce at the same time. Road closures are therefore sometimes necessary to protect road users and workers. While closures can be inconvenient, they often allow work to be completed more quickly and efficiently. 

What is Island Roads’ role? 

Island Roads’ role is one of co-ordination and ensuring that traffic management put in place by those working on the network is legal, safe and causes the least disruption practicable. 

Planned work can only be carried out with a permit. The permitting process is designed to ensure that works can be co-ordinated and completed within an agreed timeframe. Island Roads administers the permit system on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council. The statutory duties in relation to the Traffic Management Act remain with the council, including the approval of road closure orders. 

Why do roadworks seem to happen at the same time? 

To support the Island’s tourism economy, major planned roadworks are generally discouraged during the peak summer months. This means roadworks often intensify during the shoulder periods in spring and autumn, when conditions are better for construction activities and the impact on visitors is reduced. 

Because the highway is used by utility companies, developers and Island Roads, multiple activities can also take place at the same time, making roadworks appear more concentrated during these periods. 

Where can I find information about roadworks? 

You can view planned roadworks and closures via the Island Roads website or online using tools such as one.network. 

Communication & Updates 

How will I know about roadworks in my area? 

We inform residents in advance of our planned works wherever possible, including letters and updates to local councils and local elected members. Copies of all press releases are also sent to elected IW Council members and parish and town councils. Regular updates – including a daily list of planned Island Roads activity – are provided on our X (Twitter) feed @Islandroads. Please follow us. 

A weekly list of planned road closures is published in the County Press. It is also sent to stakeholders including local transport providers, Visit Isle of Wight, emergency services, and all parish and town councils and IW Council members.  

Why didn’t I know about works near me? 

Island Roads aims to provide advance notice of significant planned works undertaken by our own teams where the impact on residents, businesses or road users is expected to be substantial. This may include letters to affected properties, updates to local councils and elected members, press releases, social media updates and information on the Island Roads website.  

However, it is not practical to provide direct notifications for every maintenance activity carried out on the highway network. Smaller-scale works may therefore proceed without specific advance communication. 

It is also important to recognise that the majority of roadworks on the Island are carried out by utility companies such as water, gas, electricity and telecommunications providers. These organisations are responsible for their own communications and notification arrangements.  

Emergency works, whether undertaken by Island Roads or utility companies, may also need to be carried out at short notice to address safety issues and restore essential services.  

For the latest information on planned roadworks and road closures, residents can visit the Island Roads website or use one.network. 

Can I contact you via social media? 

Social media is not monitored as a formal customer service channel and should not be used to report highway defects or service requests. To ensure enquiries are logged, tracked and directed to the appropriate team, issues should be reported via the Island Roads website, FixMyStreet, email or telephone.  

Who is Responsible? 

What is Island Roads responsible for? 

We manage and maintain the highway network, including roads, pavements, drainage, lighting, and street furniture. A full list of areas for which Island Roads is responsible is available on the Island Roads website

It should be remembered that the Isle of Wight Council owns the highway network. Island Roads manages it on their behalf. 

Who is responsible for utility works? 

Utility companies (e.g. water, gas, electricity) are responsible for their own works on the highway. Utility companies are responsible for the majority of work on the network.