Plans to create a new walking and cycling route linking Freshwater, Yarmouth, Newport and Ryde could be only partially completed by a key 2028 deadline.
The £13.6million Government-funded programme includes the creation of the West Wight Greenway between Freshwater and Newport, alongside new and improved walking and cycling links onwards towards Ryde.
However, CycleWight has warned that the entire Freshwater-to-Ryde route may not be completed by April 2028 – which the group says is the current deadline for spending the relevant Department for Transport grant.
The warning follows a meeting between representatives of CycleWight and the Island Green Link Project Manager, who provided an update on progress since May.
CycleWight says the rate of progress will need to increase if the entire route is to be delivered by the deadline, with limited resources within the Isle of Wight Council team and complex negotiations involving numerous parties meaning it is “entirely possible” that only part will be completed.
Despite this, progress is being made on several sections.
Tenders are shortly expected to be made public for 2 active stretches at Thorley and Gunville/Newport, with hopes that work can begin and be completed before adverse winter weather arrives.
Discussions are continuing with landowners, designers and Active Travel England over other sections, with decisions being made on path surfaces, maintenance requirements and national design standards.
The stretch between Belmont Lane and Mews Lane in Newport remains complex, while related planning applications are expected to be formally submitted shortly.
Further east, the route from Wootton Station Road towards Ryde – including Kite Hill and the junction with Firestone Copse Road – remains at an early stage of surveying and design.
Discussions have also begun with the new landowner of Great Park Farm, on the proposed route between Wellow and Carisbrooke.
CycleWight says it hopes that even partial delivery will help improve the Isle of Wight Council’s capability rating with Active Travel England, potentially strengthening its position when future active travel funding is allocated.
