Island Roads

Transport

The Isle of Wight's road network has a character all its own. Many roads follow ancient routes that were never widened, resulting in narrow, winding lanes bordered by high hedgerows and overhanging trees. This is part of the island's charm but can surprise visitors used to mainland dual carriageways.

The most famous road is the Military Road (A3055), a 13-mile stretch along the south-west coast from Chale to Freshwater Bay. Originally built around 1860 as part of coastal defences, it was donated for public use by Sir Charles Seely around 1930. The Telegraph named it one of the top five driving roads in Europe in 2016. It offers dramatic views across Compton Bay and towards the Needles, though sections are periodically threatened by coastal erosion.

The Wighty 90 is a promoted scenic driving route covering 90 kilometres around the island, taking in the Military Road, Ventnor, Compton Down and Brading Down. It can be started from any point and takes roughly two hours without stops.

Island Roads, a consortium led by Ringway, holds the PFI contract for maintaining the island's highways. This 25-year contract, awarded in 2013, covers resurfacing, drainage, street lighting and winter maintenance. The island has no motorways and no dual carriageways. Speed limits in rural areas are typically 40mph, with 30mph in towns and villages. Traffic congestion is worst around Newport, the hub of the island's road network, and on approaches to ferry terminals during peak season.