Island Roads have written to residents in East Cowes to update them on the schedule of roadworks, that are causing frustration and anger among many residents.
The update explains that Island Roads are on target to begin the resurfacing on York Avenue this Thursday (17th June). The resurfacing will be undertaken at night.
They go on to say that the current traffic management plan will stay in place until the resurfacing between Well Road and a point 60 metres north-west of Connaught Road has been completed.
They will then move to between Victoria Grove and south of Crossways Road for the final three resurfacing shifts.
Island Roads say,
“Though the road closure will again remain in place for 24 hours, access in this second phase, will be maintained to businesses during the day.
“To give you an idea of the extent of the work undertaken as part of the project, we have completed an additional 540 square metres of full-depth excavation as well as the 3,285 square metres planned.”
They say the foundations were in poorer-than-expected condition and some services have also been upgraded by the relevant utility companies.
Love: Should have been more weekend working
The Isle of Wight councillor for East Cowes, Karl Love, told News OnTheWight he’d met with the CEO of Red Funnel, council officers and Island Roads, during which, he said, there was some forthright discussion.
Cllr Love said,
“Of course we can all say within hindsight that we could’ve done things differently, but the fact is we are where we are and my job is to try to get some road improvements.
“I have been in constant discussion with Island Roads and they have made some tweaks, as I requested, but the fact is that once the scheme started, we were committed and the work did need to be done.
“It is disappointing that work on this main arterial road stopped on the weekend. Additional resources should’ve been thrown at this by Island Roads to ensure it was done speedily and quickly.
“Was this because the PFI contract did not allow for paying extra wages for night or weekend work or was it that Island Roads didn’t want to pay for additional staff? My calculations indicate that if they had of worked weekends scheme could’ve been completed prior to the bank holiday weekend.”
Residents thanked
Island Roads finish by thanking residents for the understanding,
“As we near the end of the reconstruction, I would again like to thank you for your understanding.
“We appreciate this scheme has caused some local disruption, despite our action to minimise it, so we really are grateful for your support.”
