This in from Island Roads – Ed.
Island Roads have confirmed dates of a planned closure for sections of Bouldnor Road, Yarmouth as the work to stabilise and improve the highway enters its final phase.
The road closure, which will start on February 17 for a period of seven weeks, has been co-ordinated with a further programme of works to replace electricity cables and gas mains along Bouldnor Road. This joined up approach maximises the work carried out during one closure, whilst at the same time ensuring the new road surface is protected from unnecessary excavation after it has been laid.
Work at this location has been progressing well since it started on 1st November 2013 with only a slight delay due to the high winds affecting the operation of some of the specialist piling equipment. This equipment is around 20 metres high and has been driving around 750 steel sheet piles up to 16 metres in the ground to help stabilise the highway areas.
The work is taking place in a confined area of the carriageway – a little more than one lane’s width – and, as this now moves into a section in front of residential properties, it is also necessary to close the road to help ensure the safety of both those living near the site and those working within it.
The closure will allow structural ground works to continue, and almost a mile long section of the road to be reconstructed (from Victoria Road to St Swithins Crescent).
During the works, diversion signs will be in place directing traffic via the Middle Road and information will be made widely available to residents, businesses and those using the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry route. Residents and visitors are reminded that businesses in Yarmouth remain open as usual and access is still possible via the diversions.
Kieron Blamey, Geotechnical Project Engineer, Island Roads said:
“We have worked hard to keep Bouldnor Road open for as much of our works as possible to help minimise disruption for residents. However, for both safety and practical reasons, we now need to put in place a road closure so that we can complete the final stages of our stabilisation works and associated road surfacing and so that the utility companies can complete their works. By doing this in one operation, we hope to avoid ongoing disruption to residents and, crucially, complete the work ahead of the Easter holidays. Whilst it is envisaged that the closure will be necessary for seven weeks, we will do everything possible to complete the works in as short a timescale as possible and continue to keep residents, visitors and local businesses informed.”
Once the surfacing works are complete, temporary traffic lights will be put in place to enable works to the car park and footways to be completed in the area.
Cllr Jonathan Gilbey, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for the Highways PFI, said:
“I am sure the public will be pleased to hear that these major investment works are progressing well and the closures have been programmed to avoid the main holiday season where possible. Having a longer closure now will also allow the necessary utility work to be done without having to dig up the road again so shortly after it has been resurfaced.
“Without the Highways PFI, it is highly unlikely we would have been able to find the funding necessary to deliver such a programme of geotechnical schemes and I welcome Island Roads’ efforts to coordinate works to avoid longer than necessary disruptions to local residents.”
Residents, schools and businesses in the local area will receive letters explaining the road closures and detailing access for those living in the closed section of the road as a part of a range of measures to inform the local communities and travel companies about the work.
Kieron Blamey added: “We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause but we hope the disruption will be offset by the benefit of prolonging the life of the road.
“We thank residents for their continued patience and support in enabling these works to be completed successfully.”
