Ground Investigations in Ventnor: Progress Towards Reopening Landslide-Hit Roads

The Isle of Wight Council is undertaking significant ground investigations this summer to determine the feasibility of fully reopening a major road in Ventnor, following a catastrophic landslide. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, utilizing advanced techniques to ensure public safety and infrastructure resilience.

In December 2023, a massive landslide struck the south-east coast town of Ventnor, particularly near Leeson Road. The landslide affected approximately 42 hectares and displaced an estimated 14 million cubic meters of material, marking one of the largest recorded landslides on the island and the south coast. To gain crucial insights into the underlying geology, the council plans to drill three 85-meter-deep boreholes in the affected area. Scheduled for August, these boreholes will enable the installation of monitoring equipment to track lateral and rotational ground movements. The data collected will be pivotal in informing the council's decision on whether to fully or partially reopen Leeson Road, which has been closed since the landslide.

The council has commissioned engineering consultant Jacobs to oversee the monitoring and investigation of the site. Island Roads, in partnership with site investigation company Socotec, has already installed preliminary monitoring equipment to measure ground movement. The forthcoming boreholes will augment this data, helping to create an early warning system critical for the road's safe reopening.

In addition to Leeson Road, Gills Cliff Road in Ventnor is also undergoing safety enhancements to facilitate its reopening. Following a significant rockfall in February, which closed the road due to debris, local company DDGA has been appointed to implement safety measures. Heavy-duty steel netting will be installed to stabilize the rockface and prevent further falls. The primary challenge has been identifying secure anchor points for the netting without exacerbating existing weaknesses. Extensive surveys have guided the design of the solution, agreed upon by Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council.

Concurrent with these efforts, Southern Water is addressing a sinkhole on Newport Road by replacing a damaged sewer. The council aims to reopen all critical routes once they are deemed safe. Additionally, the Environment Agency has announced a £40 million investment to protect Ventnor from future coastal erosion and landslides, part of a broader initiative in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council.

The ground investigations and safety measures in Ventnor represent a collaborative effort to restore crucial infrastructure while prioritizing public safety. As data from the boreholes becomes available, the council will be better equipped to make informed decisions, paving the way for the potential reopening of key roads and ensuring the town's resilience against future geological events.

Below a drone footage depicting the catastrophic landslide.