Rapid response on Isle of Wight sees SOCOTEC UK and Ireland shortlisted for prestigious award, UK
In December 2023, SOCOTEC UK and Ireland responded to a major landslide on Leeson Road, Isle of Wight, deploying comprehensive monitoring solutions within weeks. The swift intervention enabled the safe reopening of critical transport routes while maintaining public safety.
This work earned a nomination for the Best Use of Instrumentation & Monitoring: Transport Project at the 2025 Ground Engineering Geotech Awards.
Key Information
- Project Name : Leeson Road Landslide Emergency Response & Monitoring
- Service : Emergency Geotechnical Monitoring, Instrumentation Installation, Real-time Data Analytics
- Provided by : SOCOTEC UK and Ireland - SOCOTEC Monitoring
- Location : Leeson Road, Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
- Date : December 2023 - Ongoing
Project Overview
In December 2023, heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide on Leeson Road in Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, presenting immediate risks to public safety and critical infrastructure. Three residential properties were directly affected, and the local road network experienced significant disruption, necessitating a 30-minute diversion route for all traffic.
Leveraging a 30-year relationship with Ringway Island Roads, SOCOTEC mobilised immediately to contribute to the emergency response plan. Within weeks of the incident, the team deployed specialised monitoring equipment, with some instrumentation from existing stock installed within just two weeks.
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Expertise
Services Provided
SOCOTEC UK and Ireland delivered a comprehensive emergency geotechnical monitoring solution, including:
Emergency Response Coordination: Immediate mobilisation and contribution to emergency response planning
Instrumentation Installation: Deployment of nearly 30 pieces of specialised monitoring equipment:
- Tilt meters for surface movement detection
- GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) for precise positioning data
- Extensometers for measuring ground extension and contraction
- Piezometers for groundwater pressure monitoring
- Inclinometers for subsurface lateral movement measurement
Real-time Monitoring: Integration with BlueTrust platform for continuous data transmission and analysis
Network Maintenance: Ongoing management of over 100 monitoring sites across the Isle of Wight, maintained over 21 years
Data Analytics: Real-time ground movement monitoring across multiple sites
Long-term Surveillance: Continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing ground stability assessment
SOCOTEC UK and Ireland delivered a comprehensive emergency geotechnical monitoring solution, including:
Emergency Response Coordination: Immediate mobilisation and contribution to emergency response planning
Instrumentation Installation: Deployment of nearly 30 pieces of specialised monitoring equipment:
- Tilt meters for surface movement detection
- GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) for precise positioning data
- Extensometers for measuring ground extension and contraction
- Piezometers for groundwater pressure monitoring
- Inclinometers for subsurface lateral movement measurement
Real-time Monitoring: Integration with BlueTrust platform for continuous data transmission and analysis
Network Maintenance: Ongoing management of over 100 monitoring sites across the Isle of Wight, maintained over 21 years
Data Analytics: Real-time ground movement monitoring across multiple sites
Long-term Surveillance: Continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing ground stability assessment
Results & Outcomes
Immediate Impact
- Safe reopening of critical transport route while maintaining public safety.
- Protection of three residential properties through continuous monitoring.
- Elimination of 30-minute traffic diversion, restoring normal road network operation.
Technical Achievement
- Installation of comprehensive monitoring network within weeks of incident.
- Real-time data transmission via BlueTrust platform enabling proactive risk management.
- Successful integration with existing 100+ monitoring site network across the Isle of Wight.
Industry Recognition
- Shortlisted for Best Use of Instrumentation & Monitoring: Transport Project at the 2025 Ground Engineering Geotech Awards.
- Recognition alongside AtkinsRealis, Ringway Island Roads, Isle of Wight Council, and Soil Engineering Geoservices.
Long-term Value
- Continuous monitoring ensures ongoing public safety in geologically active region.
- Historical data collection (21 years) provides critical context for ground stability analysis.
- Demonstrated value of long-term client relationships in emergency response situations.
"We had a 30-year relationship with Ringway Island Roads, which enabled us to mobilise immediately. We contributed towards the emergency response plan and deployed monitoring equipment within weeks of the incident, with some instrumentation from existing stock installed within just a couple of weeks.In total there was the installation of nearly 30 pieces of specialised monitoring equipment around the affected area, including: tilt meters, GNSS systems, extensometers, piezometers and inclinometers. This gave our monitoring system, available through our BlueTrust platform, real-time data on ground movement across multiple sites on the island."
