A modified scheme to improve the main road between Carisbrooke and Newport is scheduled to begin later this week.

The project will improve the surface of Carisbrooke Road at various locations between Cedar Hill and its junction with the High Street. The work will be undertaken over 20 working days (not including weekends) starting on Thursday January 11.

Deep excavations are required to address the underlying ground conditions that have caused the highway to deteriorate in some areas. Though this means the sites will be closed as through roads around the clock for the duration of the work period, the need for future maintenance should be reduced.

Though Carisbrooke Road will be closed as a through route, pedestrian access will be maintained as will access to residents as long as it is safe to do so.

The scheme has been split into four phases to minimise disruption. The start date has also been revised as a consequence of the recent weather and the impact that this has had on the wider programme.

The new schedule, which remains subject to change, is as follows:

Phase 1 – between Cedar Hill and Wellington Road from January 11 for two working days.

Phase 2 – between Wellington Road and Recreation Ground Road for three working days.

Phase 3 – between Trafalgar Road and Drill Hall Road for ten working days.

Phase 4 – between Drill Hall Road and Pyle Street for five working days.

An Island Roads spokesperson said: “We hope that by dividing the work into four phases we will be able to keep local disruption to a minimum.

“We do know however that work of this nature in a busy location will inevitably have some impact on road users and residents and we would like to thank them in advance for their understanding and co-operation.”

The work is part of a busy start to 2024 for Island Roads which is seeking to undertake as much work as possible outside of the main summer season when the roads are busier in order to reduce overall disruption including to the visitor economy.

A webpage featuring latest updates on the scheme is accessible via the ‘current works’ tab on the home page of Island Roads’ website www.islandroads.com