Work is to begin shortly to rebuild and resurface a section of the Newport to Sandown cycle track which has become prone to flooding over the past few years.

The work by Island Roads will improve 660 metres of the cycle track a Blackwater from a point 100 metres south of Blackwater Hollow to Birchmore Lane.

The project will see 120 metres of the cycle track resurfaced and raised to make it less prone to flooding and a further 540 metres of adjoining track also resurfaced to improve the ride quality.

Work is due to start on June 10 and complete on July 12.

The work is being done at this time of year because the area being improved needs to be dry. To minimise inconvenience, Island Roads has sought to use the window outside of both school/public holidays and events such as Walk the Wight when the path is particularly busy, and the main summer holiday season.

During work, it will be necessary to close a section of the track between Blackwater Hollow and Birchmore Lane but a short diversion, which will be signed, will enable pedestrians and cyclists to continue to travel between Blackwater and Merstone (and beyond).

An Island Roads spokesperson said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this project may cause but, as users of this track will know, the work to reduce the occurrences of flooding and to improve the surface will be of great benefit to the Island’s walking and cycling infrastructure.”

Please note that the start and finish times of the project may be subject to change due to issues such as inclement weather. This is particularly so as this location is prone to flooding.