Having already spent £5.5 million on the  Undercliff scheme, after a major landslide caused substantial damage to the road. Isle of Wight Councillors last night (Tuesday) agreed to scrap the original plans and proposed that an alternative route  is surveyed.  The siting of a new route inland would appear to be the only technical solution as a make do and mend approach is no longer possible.

On Tuesday 20th November 2007, the Isle of Wight Council Cabinet made the following decisions with regard to the future of the Undercliff Drive Reinstatement Scheme:

*To undertake a detailed survey of the alternative route via Whitwell in order to ascertain to what extent it would need improvement to make it suitable to function as part of the Strategic Road Network (SRN), including the feasibility of bringing the route up to principal A road standards. Investigative options for Undercliff Drive which may include maintaining single lane working, closing the road at particular points or investigating options for developing a “green way” along the Undercliff Drive.
 
*To confirm to the secretary of State that the Council do not wish to proceed with the Compulsory Purchase and Side Road Orders.
 
*To continue to discuss funding options with Government Office South Est (GOSE) and the Department for Transport (DfT).
 
The Report can be viewed in full Click HERE:

Isle of Wight Community News @Island Pulse.