We had to look twice to check the time of the release when we read the following just out from the Isle of Wight Council.
Apparently the swing bridge at Yarmouth, which all vehicles from the west have to travel over to gain access to Yarmouth is due to be closed to vehicles for five weeks from 14 April.
The reason for the closure is so that essential maintenance and repairs can take place.
We’re told that pedestrians will still be able to cross the River Yar during the period and that swing span will remain operational to river and harbour users.
This is bound to cause problems over the Easter holidays for holidaymakers and residents using the Yarmouth ferry terminal as a diversion will be put in place for vehicles and an amended bus service will run during this time.
The work is necessary to keep the bridge safe and involves the replacement of the existing road deck surfacing panels, a new waterproof membrane and possibly repairs to the major timber beams which span the whole width of the deck. The work is part of the council’s continued investment in the Island’s highway network and will ensure the bridge continues to operate reliably for years to come.
Peter Hayward, Isle of Wight Council Head of Highways and Transport said: “I am pleased that we have been able to programme the works this early in the season to make sure that they are completed before Yarmouth’s Old Gaffers Festival and avoid disruption during the summer. Ideally we would have liked to have got these works done in the autumn although the temperature requirements for laying some of the materials would have meant closing the bridge for longer. On balance I’m sure that we’ve made the right decision to do these works now.”
Image: Auntie P
