A local councillor has spoken out about mounting frustration over ongoing roadworks across the Isle of Wight, as new works on Fairlee Road add further pressure to the already stretched road network.
Matthew Price, Isle of Wight councillor for Fairlee and Whippingham, says the volume and duration of roadworks in recent months have led to “traffic chaos” and growing concern among residents and commuters.
The latest disruption comes with drainage works on Fairlee Road, which began today (Monday) and are expected to last up to 11 days. This morning saw 4-mile tailbacks for those heading into the county town…
However, Councillor Price has made clear his concerns go beyond a single scheme, pointing to a series of major works across the Island.
Cllr Price has said:
“I was only informed of the drainage works on Fairlee Road on the day that the works were advertised publicly.
“I have since then worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure this all runs as smoothly as possible.
Article continues below this advertisement “Endless roadworks around the Island over the last few months including Horsebridge Hill for nearly 5 months and Eleanors Grove and Quarr Hill has led to traffic chaos across the road network and I share everyone’s frustrations and concerns.”
He says Fairlee Road – one of the busiest routes on the Isle of Wight – is particularly sensitive to disruption due to the volume of traffic using it at all hours.
While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure improvements, the councillor has highlighted the cumulative impact of multiple projects taking place at once.
Residents living near Fairlee Road have been singled out for thanks, with Councillor Price apologising for the disruption – particularly to those closest to the works.
Further works by Island Roads, Southern Water and Crown Park may also take place during this period, including long-awaited works on the Racecourse approach to Whippingham Roundabout.
I thought the plan was to stay at home, majority of
Public sector workers are still shirking from home!
Alright for some!
Why is there no requirement in law for all proposed Road Closure Orders to be advertised to the public a month in advance and for objections to be lodged, which must be taken into consideration before any Order can be made? Any overrule of objections should always be justified to the public and compensation paid. That would stop so many spurious road closures.
Good point Bob. Chaos in Freshwater yesterday when we and hundreds of other drivers wanted to get to Yarmouth
Usual road was shut for the third time in a year for non work on the surface, and we were diverted up to Totland and the main road to Yarmouth…which was closed. Joke was the diversion sign pointing to the Yarmouth road was ten yards from the sign saying it was closed.. and diverting us to where we had just come from!. No big deal but shows how they don’t care about the problems this sort of sloppiness causes.
Even though we pay the authorities wages
we ourselves don’t get a say.
No good ”slamming” it, do something about it
Nothing will get done about it.
Price is good at talking the talk but not so good at walking the walk!