Island Roads will be replacing key components to Yarmouth Bridge in March.

During the work, which will be part of the bridge’s annual service, the structure will need to be closed to traffic for up to five days.

It is anticipated pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work while larger boats (which would usually require an opening) will need to navigate the River Yar outside of work times.

During closures – between 8.15am and 3.30pm – the usual vehicular diversion will be in place. The bridge will be opened again to traffic at the end of each shift.

Island Roads structural engineer Victoria Keefe said: “We want to give motorists as much advance warning as possible in order to allow them to plan any necessary journeys.”

“Though we are advertising the closure of the bridge for five days, we will endeavour to complete what we need to do in a shorter timespan if at all possible.”

Besides more routine maintenance the work – between March 15-19 – will see the replacement of the 14 ‘landing pads’ on which the bridge’s moving section sit.

The diversion in place during work will be  via A3054 Bridge Road, River Road, Tennyson Road and Bouldnor Road, B3401 Thorley Road, Wilmingham Lane, B3399 Newport Road, A3055 Afton Road, School Green Road, Tennyson Road and The Avenue, A3054 Colwell Road, Hill Lane and Halletts Shute

The daily closure times have been agreed with Southern Vectis to accommodate school bus services.