A major project to greatly improve bus stops on the main road A3056 between Blackwater and Lake is to begin next month.
Bus stops will be upgraded by Island Roads as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s work to make the Island’s public transport network safer and more accessible. The project also involves lining adjustments, footway construction works and alterations to speed limits.
The improvements have been funded by the Department for Transport as part of its Safer Roads programme, with Island Roads responsible for delivering the scheme. Bus stops in Sandown Road, Arreton outside Pyle Cottages and Newbarn Business Park will be upgraded by increasing the hard-standing areas so passengers can use services more safely.
Michelle Love, IW Council Service Director for Highways and Community Protection, said: “With bus transport being such an important part of our public transport network, we are delighted to be able to invest this grant money in making these bus stops along this busy route both safer and more accessible to use.
“If we are to reduce car usage then the bus network has to be easy to use which is why we are making these improvements that will bring benefits to residents, businesses and tourists.”
The work will begin on Monday September 7. It is scheduled to last two weeks and while the programme can be subject to change due to factors such as bad weather and unexpected ground conditions, every effort will be made to complete the work sooner if possible.
During the works it will be necessary to close the road to ensure the safety of the workforce, with traffic diverted via Arreton, Apse Heath, Godshill, Rookley and Blackwater. Island Roads will aim to re-open the road at weekends if it is safe to do so, however, depending on the progress of the works, traffic lights may need to remain on site.
Island Roads has already met with affected businesses and residents to discuss the work and consider measures that will reduce the impact on them. Local elected members have also been briefed.
An Island Roads spokesperson said: “We are pleased to be working with the council to deliver these important improvements. We understand that during the works motorists will have to use an alternative route and we thank them in advance for their understanding.
“Hopefully any short-term disruption will be offset by the benefits that making it easier and safer for bus users to get around will bring.”