An Island Roads scheme to strengthen Blackrock Bridge at Alverstone, on the Sandown to Newport cycle path, is being frustrated by vandalism and forced entry to the work site.
The project is being undertaken by Island Roads as part of its work to maintain the Island’s cycleway network.
The Blackrock scheme is the second of 2 being undertaken in this section of the network over the winter period when usage is far less than during the busier summer months.
Working at this time of year can increase the likelihood of delay due to poor weather. Such wet weather saw the previous scheme at Haseley Bridge overrun meaning the start at Blackrock was later than hoped.
It was agreed with the IW Council in consultation with the local councillor, to undertake the works in 2 consecutive schemes (rather than at the same time) to avoid the need for a total closure of the cycleway.
Ian Hodson, Island Roads’ Structures Manager, says:
“There is always a risk that working in the winter months when the cycleway is less busy can lead to weather-related delays.
“While the recent wet weather has caused some issues and while there have been some additional technical issues to resolve, we have also been hampered by forced entry to the site and by a degree of vandalism.”
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As a result of the above factors, the scheduled finish date for the Blackrock scheme is now 14th February 2020 – 2 weeks later than hoped.
Cushy little number for the workers, fenced off, easy to sit around, playing with phone, and blame the ‘country vandals’ for the slow progress.
As for the weather, haven’t they heard of coats?
No wonder our council tax is so high.
Blame the contract, not the workers.
We all have a choice who to elect.
Az-zahra Aziz I think we may have been separated at birth, you are spot on again.
What a nasty person you must be.
Telling it how it likely is, to me, is far more preferable to being a naïve snowflake.
My thoughts too, but apparently if you dare to voice them you get blocked. See you in about 6 weeks I expect.
This is the biggest waste of money. There was nothing wrong with the bridge.