The Isle of Wight council has commissioned important consultancy work to assist in understanding the reasons for the problems with Floating Bridge 6 and improve its operational performance going forward.
In a 124-page report, the authors consider:
- Floating Bridge 6’s inability to meet its target performance requirements including crossing frequency
- Maintenance of the required ‘chain depth’ and securing berthing safety in extreme tides, which currently require the assistance of a push boat
- Alternative available strategies for the potential procurement of a replacement Floating Bridge 7
Computer model owned by IWC
For this purpose, and with the assistance of Southampton University, the authors have prepared a computer model replicating tidal and wind forces at the floating bridge crossing point.
This model is now the intellectual property of the Isle of Wight council and has been used to avoid expensive experimentation to test and eliminate possible ‘fixes’.
It can now also be used by engineers to test design concepts for a potential new floating bridge, thereby helping ensure that it is fit for purpose.
Peacey Wilcox: It’s critically important to not waste council money
Councillor Lora Peacey Wilcox, Cowes Medina ward councillor, said,
“This computer model is extremely important in enabling designers to properly understand the impact of winds and tide in this extremely challenging operating environment.
“It’s critically important to not waste council money on designs and fixes that won’t work.”
Love: The old Floating Bridge 5 actually made money every year
Councillor Karl Love, East Cowes ward, added,
“I’ve been fighting for my East Cowes residents for years for a new floating bridge. The lack of a reliable floating bridge service has greatly affected dependent businesses, and isolated our local East Cowes community even more.
“The old Floating Bridge 5 actually made money every year for the council whilst its replacement is a constant drain on council resources. It’s now time for Scrutiny, the Cabinet, and Full Council to move to procure a new floating bridge service.”
Jordan: We need a floating bridge that will work to keep our traffic and people moving
Councillor Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight council said he also wanted to take the opportunity to electrify the Floating Bridge service, if possible, and to consider innovative means of finance, possibly using private sector money.
“However, in any arrangement the council would retain complete control of the fares, timetable, and environmental aspects in order to ensure the best interests of users and all island residents.
“The Alliance Administration is determined to address the reliability problems and costs of the present floating bridge in order to provide an efficient and dependable service and stop wasting council money on constant repairs and inefficient operations.
“We need a floating bridge that will work to keep our traffic and people moving, and support local businesses at an affordable price for its users. It is essential for the continuation of the engineering and shipbuilding hub in East Cowes and vital to the plans and prosperity for the community there.”
The report on the Floating Bridge will be considered by Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 27th February followed by decisions on the future for the Medina Crossing at Cabinet on Thursday 14th March 2024.
News shared by Phil on behalf of the Alliance Administration. Ed
