As we mentioned back in September 2011, essential repairs to the footbridge across the train line in Ryde will be taking place this month. This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Repairs to a pedestrian bridge in Ryde are to begin on Monday 16 January to ensure its long term use.
The footbridge next to the Hovertravel terminal on Ryde Esplanade is to be refurbished with new steel columns installed, a new deck put down as well as replacement balustrades and steps. It will also be repainted.
Completion by 9th March
Work will take around eight weeks, with a scheduled finish date of Friday 9 March. The vast majority will take place during the day, with a small amount of overnight work required.
During the repairs, the bridge will be closed to the public. A pedestrian diversion will be in place, with access to the Esplanade available via the main entrance to the car park next to Ryde Superbowl.
Repairs to cost £70,000
Edward Giles, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for highways said “Although the work will mean around two months of disruption, if we do not undertake this work then the bridge would eventually need a complete rebuild. This would cost huge sums of money and the bridge would be out of action for a long time.
“The £70,000 cost of these repairs is being met using capital funds and they will ensure the footbridge is sustained for future users of the hovercraft and other facilities, such as the ice rink.
“The pedestrian diversion is very short and I am sure people who use the bridge it will understand the need for this to be done and we are beginning the work now to ensure it is completed in time for the busy summer tourism season.”
