During May, we will be delivering a programme of highway improvement across the Island.

We will be using a treatment called surface dressing. This seals the road helping prevent potholes forming and also increases the skid resistance of the road surface.

The process is quicker than other types of resurfacing so disruption is minimised. There will however be some short-duration road closures to allow the required work to be undertaken as quickly and as safely as possible.

In essence, the process involves, where necessary, preparing the road for treatment. This could include ensuring there are no existing potholes and that the surface is even. For the treatment itself, the road is treated with a bitumen binder and stone chippings are then compacted into the surface by a roller. Any loose stone chippings are then swept away.

The effectiveness of the treatment then relies on subsequent traffic further pressing the stone chippings into the bitumen. After a period of time, we return to the site and sweep away any remaining loose stone chippings that have not bedded down through the movement of vehicles over the surface.

On urban residential sites, an additional sealant treatment will be laid approximately 4 days later.  This process will require a road closure for no longer one hour, while the materials cures.

A list of sites to be surfaced dressed is below. Please note this is subject to change. Information boards will be placed at each location giving details of work ahead of activity commencing.

We have also prepared a list of frequently asked questions that can be viewed here

If you have any questions you can contact us at info@islandroads.com or 01983 822440

Planned treatment sites (subject to change):

Freshwater Road, Shalfleet (four sections)

Ash Road, Newport

Westhill Lane, Yarmouth

Place Road, Cowes

Alum Bay New Road, Totland (two sections)

Calbourne Road, Newport (three sections)

Whippingham Road, East Cowes (four sections)

Bowcombe Road, Carisbrooke (eight sections)

Quay Lane, Brading

Lower Green Road, St Helens

St James’ Street, Ryde

Market Street, Ryde

Ratcliffe Avenue, Ryde

Arthur Street, Ryde

Luccombe Road, Shanklin (two sections)

Swains Road, Bembridge (two sections)

Chatsworth Avenue, Shanklin

Windsor Drive, Shanklin (two sections)

Shore Road, Ventnor (two sections)

Undercliff Drive, Niton (three sections)

Niton Road, Godshill (two sections)

Newport Road, Niton (two sections)