The major project to upgrade the shared use route between The Riverside Centre and Mews Lane in Newport is progressing well with increased usage already being reported on the completed sections.
The scheme is part of the Isle of Wight Council’s ongoing work to encourage greater use of cycling and walking by creating high quality shared-use paths.
Government grants
Work is being carried out by Island Roads using money the council has been awarded through the government’s Active Travel 2 and Local Transport Plan programmes.
The first two sections are now complete and work is well underway on the next phase between Gordon Road and the junction of St Paul’s View/Victoria Road.
Keeping traffic control measures on Fairlee Road to a minimum
The council said it would be departing from the originally communicated schedule to dovetail the work in with the ongoing Island Roads project to upgrade the signals and pedestrian crossings on and around Coppins Bridge.
The purpose of this approach is to ensure traffic control measures on Fairlee Road are kept to a minimum while also ensuring adequate and safe crossing points for pedestrians.
Schedule for works
The schedule in the coming weeks will, therefore, be as follows (subject to any unforeseen delays):
- The section currently being worked on (from number 1 to number 11 Beatrice Terrace, and the Victoria Road Link path) will continue as programmed with works only stopping when relocating to the southern side of Fairlee Tunnel is required.
- The works will start on the southern side of Fairlee Tunnel on 21st February, starting at the Riverside Centre.
- A temporary pedestrian crossing and safe walkway on ‘Hillside’ will be implemented from 21st February to ensure the safe passage of pedestrians across Fairlee Road and on towards Newport Harbour and the town centre.
- All works from the Riverside Centre to property number 1 Beatrice Terrace will then be completed by 25th March.
Jordan: We’ve received many favourable comments
Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said,
“We would really like to thank residents for their co-operation and support during this project.
“I am pleased to say we have received many favourable comments on the work so far and we have also noticed a high usage of completed sections which is great to see.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
