The project to upgrade a busy Newport footpath has now been completed.
The work to widen and upgrade the path between Mews Lane and The Riverside Centre making it suitable for use by cyclists, pedestrians and the mobility impaired has been delivered by Island Roads on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council.
Work to encourage greater use of cycling and walking
The six-month scheme is part of the council’s ongoing work to encourage greater use of cycling and walking by creating high-quality shared-use paths. It was financed by money secured by the council from the government’s Active Travel 2 and Local Transport Plan programmes.
The new shared-used path is around 1.3 kilometres long upgrading what was a largely gravel track to a smooth all-weather surface.
New, more durable path has been widened
Throughout the route, the new, more durable path, has been widened to create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians away from the busy main road. Material recycled from other Island road improvement schemes by local company Wight Building Materials was also used within the project.
There are improved access points along the path at Halberry Lane, Gordon Road, Victoria Road and The Riverside Centre — and additional land drains and gullies have also been installed at certain locations to help reduce the flooding to which the existing path is currently prone.
Bollards and fencing to prevent vehicles using the path have been implemented where required.
Even before it was finished, the project earned praise from residents, pedestrians and cycling group Cyclewight.
Jordan: Will make cycling and walking more enjoyable and safer
Welcoming the completion — subject to some painting and re-seeding — Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said,
“This really is a super scheme that will make cycling and walking from Fairlee into Newport not just more enjoyable but safer too.
“In addition to the recent schemes to improve traffic flows across St Mary’s junction and St George’s Way, plus the upgrade of pedestrian crossings and traffic signals on Coppins Bridge, this clearly shows we are investing heavily in making transport easier for all users of the network.”
Waters: Would like to thank each and every one for the co-operation and support
Island Roads project manager, Graham Waters, added,
“We have endeavoured to keep residents fully informed of progress on this scheme and we would like to thank each and every one for the co-operation and support shown during work.
“We are delighted to have worked with the council on a project that will deliver a very real improvement to the Island’s sustainable transport infrastructure.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
