Motorists are facing several more weeks of disruption as 3-way temporary traffic lights have been set up at one of the Island’s busiest junctions – and repairs aren’t expected until next month.
The temporary lights have been in place at Lake High Street, causing significant travel disruption, since 3rd February.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary was called to Newport Road, Lake on 29th January after a white Ford Transit Connect collided head-on with the lights and fled the scene.
Island Echo understands that damage was caused to 2 traffic signal posts, which damaged cabling underground.
Island Roads attempted to safely operate the junction with just 1 of the 2 poles, but the decision was taken that this was not possible, resulting in the permanent signals being switched off.
In an almost identical situation to the 5-month hell at Downend near Newport, a specialist part needs to be sourced from the mainland.
It has been confirmed today (Thursday) that the part is not expected to be ready to be fitted until early to mid April, meaning motorists face another 5-7 weeks of significant travel delays in The Bay area.
An Island Roads spokesperson has said:
“Two traffic signal poles at this junction were severely damaged in a reported hit‑and‑run incident at the end of January, which is currently under police investigation.
“Due to both above‑ground and underground damage, it was not possible to operate the junction safely with a single signal, so temporary lights were installed while specialist repairs are arranged.
“We recognise this is a busy junction and are working with our supplier to complete the repairs as quickly as possible. The specialist parts required have been ordered and are being manufactured by the supplier. Current estimates indicate completion in the first half of next month and we will bring this forward if resources become available sooner.
“We apologise for any inconvenience.”
Is it 1st April already? Island Roads surely having a laugh??
Always with islands roads..a permanent joke.
I cannot believe in the year 2026 no one on the island
knows how to repair a set of traffic lights
SHOCKING!
Get a Company from China over, they could repair them
in a day.
It’s a fcuking joke.
absolute sick joke that as soon as the Newport lights were due to be fixed that this happened. hope the person that crashed into them is ridiculed by everyone that knows them
No electronic geniusses on the Island that can fix it temporarily ?
It wouldnt be so bad if they moved the temporary lights off the carriageway surely its not neccessary to close half the road
For goodness sake! Why can the island not get traffic light systems fixed quicker?
why is the island treated like a 2nd class citizen. I’m sure lights on the mainland would be fixed in less than half the time.
The lights are being brought over by the navy. Unfortunately the boat needs repairs.
Does the Royal Navy still exist!
I thought they would be too busy in the channel.
This has got to be a joke….The Island can’t be the only place in the UK that has had this issue. As commented on about Downend – if the part is so specialised get a spare made at the same time as it’s bound to happen again by the drink,drug or speeding drivers who get away with a slap on the wrist and cause misery and expense to everyone else with additional fuel costs and time. With all the road closures it’s getting beyond a joke, as an Islander it’s difficult to navigate all the diversions must be hell for the few visitors that want to risk it!!
I think they are purposely bringing the island to an
halt!
I have info that the part is here but island roads won’t change their schedule to fit it, Typical !
Island Roads are as much use as a split condom
Island Roads were better under Mountjoy.
If it was the control box then it might, just about, be arguable that custom equipment has to be made to order.
But a bit of wire and a steel pipe with black paint on it?
Surely, at the very least they could pull a new cable through the conduit and stick the old post in a wheely bin full of concrete whilst we wait.
Or are they just trying to save the cost of getting the contractors out twice?
Why not re-open Firestone Copse to ease congestion
on the island.
I can only imagine some numpty councillor lives
there and they don’t want any disruption, don’t worry
about the residents of Havenstreet who are putting up
with Hell.
Am I missing a point here, but why the longer traffic queues for these 3 way temporary lights as they are only doing the job of 3 way permanent lights. They must be set up incorrectly regarding the timers?
All this due to some idiot taking out the traffic lights, unbelievable.
The Numpty should pay for the delays and damage
being done to the climate.
I would be fascinating to hear what the specialist part is.
on the mainland if a post is damaged it is replaced within a week.
Brains on the mainland, brawn on the island!
I remember a few years ago these lights stopped working and for a whole day everyone just gave way and went when they could.. all I day was back and forth on that road and it worked the smoothest Ive ever seen it..
Three months for a traffic lights part, what a joke