The main road through Wroxall is set to re-open in both directions by the end of this week following a vital upgrade to the gas main that runs through the village.
As previously reported by Island Echo, SGN announced at the start of the year that they would be carrying out essential work to ensure the community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come. 550m of old metal gas pipes have been replaced with plastic pipes, with 67 properties connected to the new main.
The 10-week project started along St John’s Road on Monday 18th January with a full road closure implemented, resulting in a lengthy diversion for those travelling in and out of Ventnor.
Now, following the successful completion of the major scheme 2 weeks ahead of schedule, motorists are set to once again travel between Ventnor and Whiteley Bank without having to divert via Shanklin or Whitwell.
SGN will shortly be restoring the road surface with hopes of re-opening St John’s Road at the end of this week, at which point all traffic, including Southern Vectus bus routes and bin collections, will return to normal.
General Manager Patrick Hyndman has said:
“We’re pleased to announce we’ve completed the final engineering work ahead of schedule and will shortly be able to safely reopen St John’s Road to motorists and public transport after restoring the road surface.
“We worked closely with the Southern Vectis and the Isle of Wight Council to provide alternative travel and refuse collection arrangements. This was a challenging project to co-ordinate and arrange and required the close collaboration of the local authorities and Wroxall community. I’d like to thank Isle of Wight Councillor Rodney Downer and Parish Council Chairman Adrian Gallop for their advice and support throughout.
Article continues below this advertisement “Most of all, we’d like to also thank residents and road users for their continued patience and understanding while we’ve carried out this essential work to ensure the Wroxall community can enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”
Isle of Wight Councillor Rodney Downer said:
“The shuttle bus service ensured Wroxall was not cut off and served Upper Ventnor as well. I have very high regard for SGN’s local team who were professional throughout. They engaged with residents and were most helpful and polite.
“It cannot be an easy job, but they finished the works ahead of time and this is excellent.”
Well done, Gas poppets. What they ain’t broadcasting is that they are demanding entry to houses of vulnerable people who are currently ‘shielding’, with the threat of denying them heating and cooking facilities if temporarily refused. Furthermore, they are proposing to dig up several gardens in the Whiteley Bank area, rip out fittings and fixtures in houses, demolish parts of people’s homes, and then try to get the owners to pay to have it all put right! And we thought the electric was shocking…
Absolute nonsense…..
Never heard so much crap, don’t put rubbish online!
Take note island roads how to finish on time or before time.