Island Roads would like to advise motorists that the next phase of major pipe replacement work by Southern Water at Northwood from next week will cause traffic delays.

From Tuesday (29) two-way lights will be in place as Southern Water replace a section of pipe from the Horseshoe junction along a  300-metre length of the main road to Newport. The work is expected to last a month.

Kevin Burton, Island Roads network manager, said though steps had been taken to minimise disruption – such as phasing much of the work to take place outside the school term when traffic is traditionally lighter – there would inevitably be delays.

During the new phase of Southern Water work, both Nodes Road and Newport Road (Cowes side of the Horseshoe traffic lights) will be open with traffic controlled by two-way lights.

“The work by Southern Water is essential to upgrade the infrastructure but naturally given this busy location, there will be some delays,” Mr Burton said.

“Though this is not our scheme, Island Roads has been working with Southern Water, their contractors and the IWC to seek to ensure the inevitable disruption will be kept to a minimum.

“For the period of these works we would advise motorists to allow extra time for their journeys.”