A ramp on the troubled Cowes Floating Bridge is being removed and shipped to Southampton so contractors can work on it there.
Further issues on the troubled vessel were announced last week which could impact the date it is brought back into service.
It has been out of action since August and was set to return in mid-November — a date already later than expected due to the damage being greater than first thought.
List of problems
Problems encountered so far by the Isle of Wight Council include a replacement drive motor, the condition of the brake units and the delivery of parts, which is outside of the authorities control.
The latest move will see one of the ramps, which lowers to load and unload vehicles and passengers, removed and taken to a yard in Southampton.
IWC: Most cost-effective way to undertake the work
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said it was being done to allow works to the rams that operate the ramps.
They said,
“It is the simplest and most cost-effective way to undertake the work as it allows the contractor to work on it at their facility where they have all the equipment they need.”
Cowes Harbour Commission yesterday (Wednesday) warned mariners the chain ferry was to be lifted and to navigate the area with caution while the work was being done.
Jordan: Unexpected new faults
Speaking last week, Cllr Phil Jordan, the cabinet member for Infrastructure and Transport, said unexpected new faults on the vessel had been found.
He said at that stage the council was not sure if the parts were repairable or replaceable, but they were bespoke not just off the shelf.
The return date for the Cowes to East Cowes crossing has yet to be set.
Cabinet Office Review
The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership has requested an independent review be carried out to determine whether the bridge is fit for purpose and is delivering the outcomes set out in the business case.
Cllr Jordan has previously said the investigation and report, as well as the outcome of the legal mediation, will help the council decide the future of Floating Bridge 6 and whether to scrap it for a new one.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
