Motorists can expect long delays in Sandown this afternoon (Monday, March 11) as traffic chaos unfolds amid the closure of Lake Hill.

Lake Hill is now closed between The Heights and Brownlow Road while Island Roads carry out major upgrades.

Deep excavations mean the road will be unable to open until the improvements are complete, with work expected to last five working days.

Read more: Main Island road Lake Hill closing for works from today

Drivers are being diverted via The Fairway and Perowne Way, but due to a very high volume of traffic, long delays should be expected.

Traffic in both directions on Perowne Way is at almost standstill as motorists attempt to navigate through pinch-points and around parked vehicles.

Many Islanders have taken to social media to share their fury at the traffic, with some reporting delays of more than 45 minutes.

Southern Vectis routes two and three are also diverted via Perowne Way, and due to lengthy delays, have announced both routes will terminate at Tesco, with a shuttle bus service operating between Ryde and the supermarket.

A spokesperson for the bus firm said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this and are working hard to minimise the disruption caused."

Previously, an Island Roads spokesperson said: “We have scheduled these schemes, on what is a busy main route, to be completed ahead of the Easter holiday.

“We do recognise that, as important as it is, work of this nature does inevitably cause some disruption, so we would like to thank residents in advance for their co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience.”

Island Roads have been contacted for a further statement.