The major safety scheme at Hale Common has been completed ahead of schedule, thanks in no small part to the support of the local community.
Not only was the work completed ahead of schedule, despite teams frequently working through scorching temperatures and a week of heavy rain at the start of June, the good progress also meant that works due in a later phase of the project were brought forward. This has prevented future disruption on Hale Common.
The scheme has introduced significant improvements to enhance pedestrian safety along a busy road, making it safer and easier for walkers to access local bus stops and nearby attractions.
Temporary lights on the road were removed last night (22 July) and the road is now reopen as normal, ahead of schedule.
Improvements were delivered by Island Roads on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council in a scheme grant funded by the Department for Transport.
Michelle Love, Isle of Wight Council service director for highways and community protection, said: “We are delighted that this important improvement scheme has been completed ahead of schedule, delivering benefits to residents and visitors sooner than expected.
“I’d like to thank the local community for their patience, understanding and support throughout the works. Their cooperation played a significant role in helping the project run smoothly.
“By bringing forward elements of a later phase of work, we have reduced the need for future disruption.
“Much of the work has been undertaken in record-breaking heat and crews have been really grateful to motorists for obeying road traffic measures in place to protect them while they are working.
“But they have also been helped by the kind actions of the Fighting Cocks public house whose staff have regularly kept them refreshed with cold soft drinks.
An Island Roads spokesperson said: “It has often been a real challenge for our teams to work through these extended periods of very hot weather.
“We made sure additional water was available on site, but the teams have really appreciated the ice-cold drinks that staff at the Fighting Cocks were kind enough to provide.
“It is tough work in these temperatures, and gestures like this are greatly appreciated by the teams on site and by all of us at Island Roads. Our crews always try to do their very best, and receiving this kind of support from the community is just lovely.”
The scheme created new footways along the A3056 between the junction of Watery Lane and the upgrading of the existing bus stop located around 100 metres north-west of the entrance to Isle of Wight Tomatoes.
New pedestrian crossing points were also installed to help pedestrians cross the busy road more safely and confidently.
As good progress was maintained, a new hardstanding that can be used by police to monitor traffic speeds, was also delivered within the original timeframe.