It was announced last week that the Cowes floating bridge service for vehicles would be out of action for almost three months at the beginning of next year.
Drivers will be diverted via Newport until the replacement floating bridge comes into service at the end of March 2017.
Outline of works
Many people have raised concerns about the length of time the works to prepare the slipways etc will take, so OnTheWight sought more information about the planned work.
The Isle of Wight Council will be undertaking the following works:
- Repositioning the northern chain to accommodate the increased width of the replacement bridge; this will include the construction of a new chain pit in Bridge Square, East Cowes
- Resurfacing of both the Cowes and East Cowes slipways
- Alterations to the pedestrian footways on the northern sides of both slipways; this will enable foot passengers to queue and board from this side without the need to cross vehicles that are being loaded/unloaded. All works have been agreed with the Councils PFI client team and Island Roads
- Relocation of the two existing ticket machines at East Cowes to the north of the slipway approximately where there is a seat (which will be relocated)
- Conversion of the existing waiting room to a store
Tidal restrictions
A spokesperson for IWC said,
“It must be borne in mid that a lot of the work is tidal and this, by its nature, extends the programme.”
Slipway safety
They went on to explain the the works taking place to the slipway,
“The aim is to provide a surface which is fit for purpose and has the necessary structural integrity whilst also being safe for vehicles and foot passengers.
“The current surface is, in places, uneven and difficult to clean and the intention is to ensure it is as safe as possible for foot passengers to use, as a result of the slipway work.”
Same operating hours anticipated
OnTheWight asked whether it’s anticipated the new floating bridge will operate for the same number of hours over the year that the current one does.
A spokesperson for IWC said,
“At the moment that is the intention, but as with all services it will be continually be reviewed and if not cost effective we may curtail the hours or, if there is a demand, extend them.”
Once the floating bridge has been taken out of service a passenger launch will be used to transport pedestrians across the water.
Image: © Allan Marsh
