A MAJOR route into one of the Isle of Wight's biggest towns is to be upgraded by Island Roads, starting next week.

Sections of Park Road in Cowes are to be upgraded over nine days, in a project divided into two phases, to minimise disruption to road users.

The first phase, expected to last five days, involves improvements to the section between the Isle of Wight Community Club and Reynolds Close.

The second phase, expected to last four days, is between Princes Street and Victoria Road.

In each case, deep excavations are required to address the underlying ground conditions that have caused the highway to deteriorate.

This means the sites will be closed as through roads, around-the-clock, for the duration of the work period.

However, access will be maintained to properties wherever it is safe to do so.

The work is part of a busy programme of highway improvement work planned by Island Roads this year.

Island roads will return to Park Road later in the year, with heavier plant and equipment, to complete the remaining works.

Because we restrict work in the summer months so as not impact on tourism, we have to concentrate work in the remainder of the year which means we are once again seeking to do as much as we can during the quieter winter period," an Island Roads spokesman said.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience, but it is important we continue to invest to ensure our most-used roads are maintained in good condition.”