The Isle of Wight Council recognises the importance of a well-maintained highway network that aligns with the strategic vision outlined in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and its Corporate Plan. Recent investments have prioritised enhancing public transport infrastructure which has included strategic road improvements, junction upgrades, and traffic management initiatives will aim to alleviate traffic congestion, aligning with the LTP's goal of promoting smoother traffic flow.

The council through its supply chain has utilised recycled asphalt or concrete in road construction that can reduce reliance on traditional materials. The council has implemented variable message signs to help drivers navigate disruptions more efficiently and provided online platforms for road closure information through its PFI service provider. The council is exploring ways to incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels into highway infrastructure, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and green infrastructure such as rain gardens into road designs to contribute to a more sustainable transportation system.

The PFI service provider has implemented the Department for Transport permit scheme providing a comprehensive overview of all planned works across the highway network which allows to identify potential conflicts and areas where multiple works might be scheduled. The permit process facilitates communication between utility companies, contractors, and the council. This enables discussions on potential overlaps and exploring possibilities for combining works or scheduling them sequentially to minimize disruption. Permit applications identify opportunities for grouping similar works together in the same location which can minimize the number of times a road needs digging and can be prioritised based on urgency and potential impact.

The council has invested £21m since 2019 which has been funded by DfT grants in highway improvements which has included substantial improvements in Newport junctions together with Smallbrook roundabout and multi-million pound package from the Transforming Cities Fund in Ryde for a regenerated transport interchange with a dedicated cycle and pedestrian walkway along the pier and improve safety and accessibility for in and around Ryde.

The council's planned highways investment for forthcoming financial year 2024-25 is £3.2m which is funded by Department for Transport grants and includes £1m of additional investment made possible by reallocated HS2 funding.

This additional funding given to council to spend in 2024/25 will include the renewal of a retaining wall on St John's Road in Wroxall. The scheme will benefit the local community, improving road safety for all users. There is also a focus on active travel and improving the accessibility for users of the Newport to Cowes cycleway which is part of National Cycle Network route 23. The work is to improve the drainage along the route, south of the junction of Newport, Dodnor Lane and Blackwater Hollow on the Sandown cycleway. These improvements will ensure access to the routes in all weathers and will give an improved and more comfortable journey along the 2 routes totalling 18km long route.

The council signed a 25-year-long contract with Island Roads in 2013, known as a private finance initiative (PFI). The contract involves the design, renovation, financing, operation, and maintenance of 803 km of rural and urban roads, 767 km of footways, street lights, bridges and structures, cycleways, public car parks, and signage. The bulk of this work has been completed within the first seven years of the contract, which is called the core investment period (CIP). So far, the council has received £201m as part of the PFI funding arrangement. The PFI funding awarded by central government is the total amount awarded to the council for highway maintenance to date. The additional funding is welcomed and Isle of Wight Council will ensure that it is spent as described above for the benefit of all residents.

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