Good progress is being made on the major work to improve safety at the busy Smallbrook roundabout on the outskirts of Ryde.

Despite some challenging conditions and the ongoing effects of COVID, particularly at the end of last year, the work to divert services and create the new carriageway area on the east side of the road and at Smallbrook Lane is almost complete.

The focus is now shifting to the west side of Ashey Road to realign the kerbs and install drainage and new lighting before the whole area is surfaced.

This work will require the closure of Carters Road as a through route for up to five weeks from Monday 14 March. This closure will be at the eastern end of Carters Road although access to all properties will be maintained at all times via the Upton Road end of Carters Road. The diversion route is a very simple one – via Upton Road and Ashey Road and vice versa.

At the same time, we will re-open both Ashey Road and Smallbrook Lane to operate in both directions with just the junction itself controlled by three-way temporary traffic lights.

The current forecast is that the major works will be completed at the beginning of April with the surfacing and line marking undertaken overnight thereafter.

Cllr Phil Jordan, IW Council cabinet member responsible for transport and infrastructure, said: “It’s not been easy resolving the problems which caused this junction to have one of the worst safety records on the Island. I am thankful we are nearing a solution for all road users here.

“Having battled the winter elements, Covid and a well-documented burst pipe, good progress has been maintained and it’s encouraging to see we are now moving into the final phase of the works, with the end in sight, and a better, safer junction which has been badly needed for so long.”