Following our earlier reports regarding the Newport cycleway, this in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Work is underway on the last phase of a cycle route that links Cowes to Sandown.
The work by the Isle of Wight Council will complete the Cross Newport Cycle Route by establishing a designated link between Blackhouse Quay and Shide. It will provide the final piece in the route between Cowes and Sandown and form part of the wider National Cycle Route 23 between Reading and Sandown.
Sustrans grant helped link
The cost of the Cross-Newport link is £180,000 which is being met by a grant from the transport charity Sustrans coupled with contributions towards sustainable transport links secured from developers.
The work, which should be completed by Christmas, will include the resurfacing of Connie’s Way between Furrlongs and Shide making it wider for joint pedestrian and cyclist use and a segregated cycleway on the footway at Coppins Bridge.
New crossing at High Street
It also includes a new crossing at the bottom of Newport High Street that will allow cyclists to cross when the existing traffic lights onto Coppins Bridge are showing red. As a result, vehicular traffic flows will not be affected
The work will dramatically improve cycle access to the schools in the north of Newport and to the new Pan Meadows development as well as the town centre, bus station, Isle of Wight College and St Mary’s Hospital.
Cycle-friendly destination
The start of the final phase was welcomed by Tim Thorne chairman of the Cyclewight group who said, “I am delighted that the final phase of this national route is now being put in place. The Island rightly markets itself as a cycle-friendly destination and this route clearly demonstrates the council is serious about promoting cycle travel for residents as well as visitors.”
Councillor Edward Giles, cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, said, “This is a scheme that will make cycling to and through the county town much easier and safer.
“I apologise in advance for any inconvenience that these works may cause in the coming days but this project will provide the Island with much improved cycle access.”
