Backlash from the public and officials over plans to make the main Newport-Cowes road one-way for 2 months has led to a significant change to the traffic management plan, ahead of works getting underway on 12th May.
It was on Tuesday that Island Echo first revealed that all traffic heading into Cowes will be diverted via Forest Road, Whitehouse Roads and Rolls Hill for a period of 2 months, from 12th May, to enable junction works at the entrance to the brand new Three Oaks housing development.
Concerns locals, parents, councillors, transport bosses and top-tier officials have raised an eyebrow over the plan, which has led to confirmation today (Saturday) that all buses will be allowed through Horsebridge Hill, as will emergency vehicles on blue lights.
The Isle of Wight Council says that local buses will have priority and will be able to pass through the roadworks in both directions under stop/go boards. A crew member will be onsite to ensure that buses get through, helping commuters and children getting to school, especially during exams, get to their destinations on time.
Emergency services will also be able to use the road network in both directions during this time.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has said:
“While there is never a ‘good time’ for roadworks, these works are being carried out now to expedite the delivery of much-needed social housing on the Island. Due to the number of parties involved and various contracts in place, the plan was signed off recently and all parties involved apologise for the short notice”.
It has been confirmed that works being undertaken will see the road widened to install a turn-right lane for those heading into the Three Oaks site from the Newport direction.
A one-way system has been proposed because due to the volume of traffic, traffic lights would have caused more disruption.
The diversion plan is just plain stupid just like when the bridge will be repaired in September and many other IOW road plans where the idea is close the road and divert who cares what happens and where the hundreds of cars will go
I am surprised the Council are not creating all these
traffic problems so they then have an excuse to bring in
a congestion and ULEZ charge.
Any excuse to make more money.
Many Councils on the mainland charge motorists
such fees!
Blue lights yes, but buses no, does that mean
Taxi’s will sneak through the net too!!
No they wont only buses..
I bet they will try their luck.