Island Roads is reminding residents of an online information service that gives real time information on roadworks across the Island.
One.Network which can be accessed directly from the homepage of Island Roads’ own Website gives continually updated information on the location of roadworks, who is undertaking them and the diversion route for motorists.
High number of roadworks being undertaken
Island Roads is highlighting the service given the high number of roadworks being undertaken on the Island at a time when, as lockdown eases, there are more people using the roads.
Over the last six months, there have been 4,311 such works – around a quarter of which have been carried out by Island Roads.
More than 20 percent of the roadworks have been the result of unplanned emergency repairs by utility companies, while WightFibre have also worked on more than 620 sites as part of the upgrading of the Island’s broadband infrastructure.
Minimising disruption
Utility companies have a legal right to maintain and improve their apparatus. Island Roads’ role is to work with them to minimise disruption on the network.
Since last year, a new permit scheme has also been introduced designed to give better control over works by utility companies and other contractors on the network.
Thornton: There will also always be a need for some emergency work
Island Roads’ own work is also covered by the Highways PFI contract that includes clauses stipulating when and where work can be undertaken to reduce the impact, particularly during the tourism season.
Island Roads streetworks manager, Iain Thornton, said,
“Through the permit scheme, our PFI contract and ongoing discussions with utility companies we work together to minimise disruption.
“The vast majority of our own improvement and maintenance work is planned so we are able to advertise most of this work in advance and we issue daily updates on our Twitter feed.
“But there will also always be a need for some emergency work which it is just not possible to publicise in the same way.”
Around two-thirds of emergency work is by the main utility companies and this type of work can cause additional challenges as it is hard to notify residents in advance or to factor in alongside existing planned schemes.
“On the Island there is also limited options to divert traffic because we are separated by sea and have defined borders. It is not like the mainland when you can re-route traffic through neighbouring counties.”
Plan your journey
The latest updates on traffic can be checked on the One.Network site which can be accessed via the ‘Roadworks Live’ tab on the home page of Island Roads’ Website.
Iain said,
“We would urge motorists to use this feature when planning important journeys. It is regularly updated and carries information on all road schemes – not just those undertaken by Island Roads.
“In the meantime, we can assure residents that we will continue to liaise with all contractors to co-ordinate work where possible and to minimise disruption wherever we can.”
News shared by Gavin behalf of Island Roads. Ed
