Hi-Tech ‘Balloon’ Fix Set to Save Isle of Wight Culvert
Island Roads is gearing up for a slick, high-tech fix beneath one of the Isle of Wight’s busy roads. Starting next week, a giant inflatable resin ‘balloon’ liner will be snaked through the ageing brick culvert under Victoria Avenue/Shanklin Road, where Scotchells Brook flows. The aim? To seal and strengthen the structure before it can cause major chaos.
Inflatable Liner: The Future of Culvert Repairs
The innovative method involves pulling a resin-coated balloon liner through the culvert, sealing it tight, and then inflating it to fit like a glove. UV lights cure the resin hard, creating a durable, protective shell that beefs up the old brickwork – all without the need for a full rebuild. Island Roads has already nailed this technique on other bridges, including the unique Holbrooke’s Bridge in Bouldnor, famous for its award-winning eel ‘eelevator’.
Complex Work Calls for Clever Tactics
The culvert runs several metres below the road, meaning engineers must build a temporary ramp just to get their gear down the slope. Ian Hodson, Island Roads’ structures manager, admitted:
“This is a difficult site because it’s confined and deep below the road. But stabilising and strengthening the culvert is absolutely crucial to prevent major disruption from collapse or deterioration.”
He added the project is the last of four similar repairs across the Island this year, all designed to extend the lifespan of vital structures with minimum fuss and hassle.
Road Closures and Timings
- Monday 15 July (6pm-6.30am): Overnight road closure at Victoria Avenue’s western end for ramp construction. Traffic will be diverted via Lake, Apse Heath, and Canteen Road.
- Monday 17 July (9.30am-9.30pm): Full daytime closure while the resin liner is installed. Same diversion route applies.
- Thursday 18 July (6pm-6.30am): Overnight closure to remove equipment.
Temporary traffic lights will keep vehicles moving safely during the rest of the programme.
Ian Hodson apologised for disruption, saying:
“We’re doing overnight work where possible to keep inconvenience low. This repair is vital for an important, if unseen, piece of the Island’s infrastructure.”
All work is scheduled to finish before the school summer holidays, taking advantage of low water levels in Scotchells Brook to get the job done fast.
