Leeson Road information.
Leeson Road re-opened in the winter of 2024 following the catastrophic landslide there in December 2023.
Prior to re-opening, an array of measuring equipment was installed to help us detect future movement. We continue to monitor readings from this equipment.
The latest update on this ongoing work is below:
Leeson Road Update: Update Number 11 – Public Summary December 2025
Current Status: Since implementation in November 2024, the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for Leeson Road has been actively monitored by the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads and the latest findings indicates the highway is stable with no significant changes or immediate risks identified.
Tiltmeters: An array of 22 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: The three extensometers have shown no significant horizontal ground movement since installation.
Piezometers: Installed at multiple levels within deep boreholes, have recorded minor groundwater, suggesting free-draining conditions.
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.
Weather: At the current time, Leeson Road remains open to traffic but remains under constant review. The cumulative rainfall (over the last four months) is currently between 200-299mm. With the current wet weather, it is possible that this will exceed 300mm later this month.
The management of Leeson Road is subject to a comprehensive monitoring programme which links into the Emergency Response Plan, the council will continue to post updates regularly through the winter and spring.
We are now at the wettest time of the year, when ground movement is more likely, and therefore it is important for everyone to remain alert and check the website and social media for updates.
If you think that you have observed significant ground movement on Leeson Road and are concerned, report this to Island Roads on 01983 822440
If you think you have observed significant ground movement anywhere else throughout the Undercliff area, report it to coastal.protection@iow.gov.uk
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:
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.
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