This in from Island Roads, the highways PFI contractor. Ed
The works underway involve strengthening the 700-metre section of the highway between the Viewpoint Car Park and Yarmouth Green. Thanks to discussions with the local community, the work will also now involve a significant upgrade and widening of the footway between Yarmouth Green.
Landscaping of car park
In partnership with Natural Enterprise and the Isle of Wight Council, the popular View Point car park will also be landscaped as part of the scheme.
The specialist piling equipment will allow up to 750 steel sheet piles to be driven as far as 16 metres into the ground. This week, a more traditional piling rig has been on site to manually drive the first of the steel piles into place.
Quieter system next week
A quieter piling system will be in operation next week and will sit on top of the piles that have already been installed and continue to install further piles, by self moving along the pile line. This method ensures much less noise and vibration is released into the surrounding area.
Kieron Blamey, Geotechnical Project Engineer said:
“Our designs for this area have taken into account the close proximity of the works to surrounding properties. The use of this very latest piling equipment will help to minimise disruption to the local community which we know is vital during these longer term works.
“Partnership working with a community minded resident has also allowed our plans to incorporate the widening of a section of narrow pavement up to the View Point car park. We know the width of the pavement on this popular route has been a longstanding local concern. As a direct result of the kind donation of a piece of garden by a resident, we are able to widen this section, as well as other sections within our ownership as part of this scheme. This will ensure there is a suitable width pavement from Yarmouth Green through to the View Point car park.”
Increasing safety for pedestrians
Cllr Jonathan Gilbey, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for the Highways PFI, said:
“The major investment in this area will not only save this important section of road but will help to increase safety for pedestrians. This is another example where the benefits of the PFI are felt by the wider Island community.”
Bouldnor Road will remain open under temporary traffic lights while this piling work is
completed.
