Major work to improve significant stretches of two more main roads on the Island is to begin shortly.
During early May, Island Roads will begin work to resurface three kilometres of the Whippingham Road from the Racecourse Roundabout to Crossways Road in a scheme expected to take approximately two weeks. It will also commence work to resurface a kilometre section of Newport Road at Niton between Lacey’s Lane and Southford Lane in a project expected to take approximately seven days.
To minimise disruption, Island Roads will be doing the Whippingham Road work overnight. For significant parts of the scheme where there is no diversion available, traffic will be controlled by lights and then escorted through the site by an Island Roads vehicle to ensure safe speeds are maintained as cars travel through an active work site.
This approach is designed to strike a balance between reducing inconvenience to motorists and enabling the scheme to progress as quickly as possible by ensuring Island Roads staff can continue to work as traffic passes through the site safely. Nevertheless, delays will occur and motorists – particularly those planning to catch a cross-Solent ferry – should allow more time for their journey during these works.
The works at Whippingham have been scheduled ahead of the IW Festival and at both sites, ahead of the busy summer tourist season. Preparatory works have also been undertaken in advance to limit the length of the works scheme.
At Newport Road, Niton the works will be undertaken during the daytime and diversions will be in place for local traffic.
Both schemes are part of Island Roads 2015 programme that will improve the quality of around 60km of the Island’s network.
“Many residents have called for the PFI to improve the condition of more of the Island’s main roads and the programme this year, which begins a particularly intensive period of activity, will most certainly do that,” said Island Roads service director Paul Herbert.
“Unfortunately it is inevitable that when you do upgrade the busiest roads it follows that there is some inevitable disruption. However we do take steps to minimise disruption wherever we can, such as working overnight where it is appropriate to do so.”
“We have written to local residents in both areas to advise them of the works and of the diversions in place and thank residents in advance for their patience as we complete these vital improvements.”
Island Roads has also been in contact with councillors to discuss the works planned and will be providing updates on the works as they progress to ensure people are kept informed.
The works, which are subject to change, are due to start at Whippingham from the 8th May, at the earliest, and at Newport Road, Niton from 5th May, at the earliest. The precise dates of the works will be available on Island Roads website www.islandroads.com and on the yellow information signs on site. Residents can also contact Island Roads hub for information by dialling 01983 822440.
Arrangements for access for the Whippingham scheme are as follows:
Work Area 1 – Whippingham Rd from Racecourse Roundabout to East Cowes Rd:
During the hours of 18:30 and 06:30, traffic will be controlled via temporary traffic signals and a 10mph speed limit controlled by a convoy vehicle. During this phase of works full through traffic will be permitted although long delays are expected.
Work Area 2 – Whippingham Rd from East Cowes Rd to Alverstone Rd:
During the hours of 18:30 and 06:30, the road will be closed with a diversion via Alverstone Rd. Due to the width of the diversion route, southbound traffic will need to queue whilst the northbound traffic is convoyed and vice versa as a shuttle system. During this phase of works, restricted access will only be allowed to local properties and businesses and all through traffic must follow the diversion.
Work Area 3 – Whippingham Rd from Alverstone Rd to Saunders Way:
During the hours of 18:30 and 06:30, traffic will be controlled via temporary traffic signals and a 10mph speed limit controlled by a convoy vehicle. During this phase of works full through traffic will be permitted although long delays are expected.
Work Area 4 – Whippingham Rd Saunders Way to Crossways Rd:
During the hours of 18:30 and 06:30, the road will be closed with a diversion via Saunders Way, Beatrice Ave and Victoria Grove. During this phase of works, restricted access will only be allowed to local properties and businesses and all through traffic must follow the diversion.
The diversion route for the Newport Road, Niton work will be via Blackgang Road, Blythe Shute, Chale Sreet and Appleford Road.
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