Smoother ride for cyclists as flood work finished

The work aims to improve the quality of rides for cyclists

Work to reduce flooding on a popular island cycling route has been completed ahead of schedule.

Part of the Isle of Wight cycle track, which runs from Newport to Sandown, had been prone to flooding, often making it inaccessible.

An 80m (262ft) section at Blackwater has been raised and resurfaced.

It is hoped the need for future closures between Blackwater Hollow and Birchmore Lane during periods of heavy rainfall will now be reduced.

The track was raised using free-draining material, allowing rainwater to filter through more easily, according to Isle of Wight Council.

Part of the work also saw a further 540m (1771ft) of the track resurfaced.

Beginning on 10 June, it was estimated that the Island Roads project would take just over a month - but it has been completed sooner due to recent dry weather.

A spokesman for the road construction company said nearby ponds would sometimes flood the track, making it "impassable" and causing damage to a large section.

“This work is designed to improve the ride quality along the whole section and also, by increasing the height and improving the drainage at the worst affected area, reduce the amount of time the track is out of use," he added.