A considerable amount of scaffolding, excavation of the footway, and the "twisting and rising" nature of the landscape are some of the reasons given as to why work to replace railings in Ventnor will take around six months.
Work to install new safety railings at the picturesque Rene Howe Walk around the Cascades on Ventnor seafront will take 27 weeks, Island Roads announced recently.
The project will see the installation of 140m of railings to replace the current warped and rusty ones, and the walkway will also be resurfaced.
The County Press asked Island Roads why the project will take so long.
A spokesperson explained: "This is a bespoke project at a unique heritage location, taking place – in order to minimise disruption to the holiday trade - at a time of year that is not usually conducive for such work.
"The 27-week timescale reflects these challenges and also our determination to deliver a complex project to a high standard at an iconic seafront location.
"The project will be completed under the terms of the existing Highways PFI contract so it is in everyone’s interest to complete the work in a timely manner.
"It is worth noting several specific features of the work that also influence the timeframe.
"Firstly, there is the need to excavate large sections of the footway so bespoke new concrete foundations can be laid.
"The railings themselves also have to be manufactured to a bespoke specification to reflect the twisting and rising nature of the location.
"As such, the railings cannot be manufactured until the foundations are cast and have been surveyed.
"As this is an elevated site there is also a considerable amount of scaffolding required and this will also take time to erect."
They said Island Roads, plus Island-based partners Stoneham Construction and DMR Engineering, understand the need to minimise disruption and will shorten the schedule if possible.
The project is due to begin on September 4.
The Cascades will remain open to traffic at all times, but the footpath will be closed to pedestrians.
The County Press has asked for artist's impressions of what the new railings will look like.
The spokesperson said: "The final design has not yet formally been agreed with stakeholders. Once it is, we will be pleased to share an artist’s impression."
The new railings will be vertical as opposed to the current horizontal style, as vertical railings are more compliant with the required safety standards.
Due to the area being a conservation area, the Isle of Wight Council’s conservation officer is involved "to ensure the new railings and bollards are in keeping to with the local character".
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