Significant improvements to enhance pedestrian safety along a busy road are set to begin shortly, making it safer and easier for walkers to access local bus stops and nearby attractions.
Improvements will be carried out on the A3056 at Hale Common, Arreton this summer, as part of the wider DfT funded Safer Roads project, to install footways between the junction of Watery Lane and the existing bus stop approximately 100 metres north-west of the entrance to Isle of Wight Tomatoes.
These enhancements will provide a safe, dedicated walking route, and also include installation of associated uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points, which will allow pedestrians to cross the road safer and more confidently.
Works in two phases
The improvements will be delivered in two phases, with phase one bringing about the removal of an existing traffic island on the A3056, to replace it with a pedestrian refuge.
The traffic island is located just north-west of the junction of the A3056 with Watery Lane.
Road closure dates and diversions
To carry out these works safely, there will be a need to close a section of the A3056 near the traffic island for three days between 13th and 15th May 2026 during the hours of 9.30am to 3.30pm, with temporary traffic signals in place at all other times. Temporary lights will be removed after 15th May.
Drivers should divert through Arreton, Blackwater, Rookley, Godshill, Whiteley Bank and Apse Heath.
During the closure hours, premises north-west of the traffic island, such as The Fighting Cocks Public House and Isle of Wight Tomatoes, will only be accessible via Arreton.
Premises to the south-east of the traffic island, including businesses on Watery Lane, will only be accessible via Apse Heath.
Footway construction from June
Phase Two of the project will bring about the construction of the associated footways and will be delivered under temporary traffic signals from 1st June to 24th July 2026.
Throughout the duration of the works, access to all residential and business properties will be maintained at all times with the traffic signals being removed for the Isle of Wight Festival weekend.
Advice for residents and bus users
If these improvements coincide with your usual domestic waste collection day, please ensure your waste is on the kerbside before 7am to enable its collection or contact your service provider to make alternative arrangements with them.
Wherever possible, access to bus stops will also be maintained, and where this is not feasible, a temporary alternative bus stop will be provided.
While every effort is made to complete the work to programme, the dates are subject to change for various reasons including inclement weather or unexpected ground conditions encountered on site.
The footpath improvements have been grant funded by the Department for Transport and Island Roads will be delivering the works.
These improvements are part of a series of measures along the A3056 that are focused on improving safety.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
