This in from Gavin on behalf of Island Roads. Ed
Major work to improve significant stretches of two more main roads on the Island is to begin shortly.
During early May, Island Roads will begin work to resurface three kilometres of the Whippingham Road from the Racecourse Roundabout to Crossways Road in a scheme expected to take approximately two weeks.
It will also commence work to resurface a kilometre section of Newport Road at Niton between Lacey’s Lane and Southford Lane in a project expected to take approximately seven days.
Whippingham Road: Overnight work
To minimise disruption, Island Roads will be doing the Whippingham Road work overnight. For significant parts of the scheme where there is no diversion available, traffic will be controlled by lights and then escorted through the site by an Island Roads vehicle to ensure safe speeds are maintained as cars travel through an active work site.
This approach is designed to strike a balance between reducing inconvenience to motorists and enabling the scheme to progress as quickly as possible by ensuring Island Roads staff can continue to work as traffic passes through the site safely. Nevertheless, delays will occur and motorists – particularly those planning to catch a cross-Solent ferry – should allow more time for their journey during these works.
The works at Whippingham have been scheduled ahead of the IW Festival and at both sites, ahead of the busy summer tourist season. Preparatory works have also been undertaken in advance to limit the length of the works scheme.
Newport Road, Niton: Daytime work
At Newport Road, Niton the works will be undertaken during the daytime and diversions will be in place for local traffic.
Both schemes are part of Island Roads 2015 programme that will improve the quality of around 60km of the Island’s network.
Island Roads service director, Paul Herbert, said,
“Many residents have called for the PFI to improve the condition of more of the Island’s main roads and the programme this year, which begins a particularly intensive period of activity, will most certainly do that.
“Unfortunately it is inevitable that when you do upgrade the busiest roads it follows that there is some inevitable disruption. However we do take steps to minimise disruption wherever we can, such as working overnight where it is appropriate to do so.
“We have written to local residents in both areas to advise them of the works and of the diversions in place and thank residents in advance for their patience as we complete these vital improvements.”
Island Roads has also been in contact with councillors to discuss the works planned and will be providing updates on the works as they progress to ensure people are kept informed.
Start time subject to change
The works, which are subject to change, are due to start at Whippingham from the 8th May, at the earliest, and at Newport Road, Niton from 5th May, at the earliest.
The precise dates of the works will be available on Island Roads website www.islandroads.com and on the yellow information signs on site.
Residents can also contact Island Roads hub for information by dialling 01983 822440.
Image: ell-r-brown under CC BY 2.0
