The Pro-Link campaign for a tunnel to be built between the Isle of Wight and the mainland has hit the national press this week.
The Daily Mail and The Sun have both reported on a submission by the Solent Tunnel Pro-Link Group to the Isle of Wight Transport Infrastructure Task Group, which outlines their case for a study to be carried out by the Department for Transport.
“Massive potential”
The group argue their statement (embedded below) shows “beyond reasonable doubt the massive potential that a Cross Solent tunnel road link will have for the future socio-economic prosperity, lifestyle and standard of living on the Isle of Wight”.
Some of the advantages put forward for a fixed link include:
- Average Island wage will become more comparable to South East England
- Increased business and tourism inward investment
- The ability for Island residents to commute easily and cheaply
- Island businesses to compete in a higher catchment area
- A boost to “career opportunity” Island employment, through inward investment
- Redevelopment of Portsmouth, Southampton, Fishbourne and East Cowes ferry marshalling yards
- The provision of reliable, fast and immediate, no toll charge transportation of trauma patients to specialist mainland hospital departments including other emergency services.
Where would be tunnel be located?
The statement to the Task Group states the Island portal for the tunnel would ideally be in the Whippingham area and may result in new roads being created.
The mostly likely position for the mainland portal would be east of Junction 9 on the M27.
How much would it cost to cross?
The return fare for an standard-sized car on the ferries can range from around £40 to over £200 depending on the time of year (and day) taken.
The Pro-link statement suggests annual permits for Islanders (allowing two return journeys per day throughout the year) would cost £2,000 for a standard family car.
Individual crossings for Island residents would be £10 each way all year.
For visitors the cost would be £20 each way low season, £30 each way high season.
Other crossings
To mitigate traffic flow problems on the Island, a new crossing would be created over the River Medina (probably a bridge) mid-way between Newport and Whippingham.
There is also a suggestion of a subway between Cowes and East Cowes for pedestrians.
Both of the above would have an initial charge for use, until the cost of construction is recouped.
What next?
Pro-Link believe the Transport Infrastructure Task Group will have a responsibility – and duty of care – to press the case to the Isle of Wight Council to formally request the Department for Transport commission an updated and thorough Isle of Wight Fixed Link Feasibility Study and if possible, to planning application stages.
Carl Feeny told OnTheWight
“Pro-Link needed to put a potential route together as an example to have the Taskforce look at, to provoke a study by the DfT of the options, choices and feasibility.
“Pro-Link are all about the study…that is what we are trying to achieve, so people can be better informed by experts.”
You can find out more by visiting the Solent Tunnel Website.
The statement
Pro-link have given permission for OnTheWight share their statement and spreadsheet with readers. To see larger versions, click on the full screen icons.
Image: © Courtesy of Femern A/S
