Motorists face significant travel disruption next month when part of the main A3056 between Newport and Sandown closes for 2 weeks for bus stop improvements, forcing traffic onto a lengthy diversion.
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 on A3056 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.
The work will begin on Monday 7th September. It is scheduled to last 2 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.
Michelle Love, Isle of Wight 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.”
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.”
No need to close the road. How ridiculous
Can we have some comments from the “Local elected members” who have “also been briefed.”?