The troubled Cowes Floating Bridge will remain out of action for another 10 days, the Isle of Wight Council has announced.
The reason for the extended delay is that, in addition to the completion of the current works to repair the prow and hinge mechanism on the Cowes prow side, the council are taking the opportunity while the vessel is out of the water to also replace the prow and hinge mechanism on the East Cowes side to ensure the continued operation of the bridge.
This will not only address the current problem but also minimise the likelihood of having to take the vessel out of service, should a similar problem arise during the St. Mary’s Roundabout road works.
Ferry Road in East Cowes has been closed to allow a crane to assist in the repair operation. Local councillor Karl Love says it is causing significant disruption in the area.
The Cowes Floating Bridge originally went out of action on 10th September and was expected to return to service today (Friday).
The council recognises the value and option the floating bridge will provide during the proposed St Mary’s road works to help mitigate disruption and provide an alternative to commuters and other road users in the Cowes and East Cowes area, as well as supporting the economy of those communities.
Both prows will be tested and it is expected the vessel will be back in full service by Monday 30th September. The foot passenger launch will remain in place in the meantime, offering a shuttle service for pedestrians between 05:00 to 23:00 daily.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has said:
“The improvement works to the vessel are part of our strategy to maintain a good and reliable service for the floating bridge, as reflected in recent figures of use. Approximately 200,000 foot passengers and 78,000 cars used the bridge over the last 4 months.
“These figures are publicly available, on the dedicated floating bridge website at: https://www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk/about/ferry-stats/“.
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That must be the islands biggest load of junk!!!! Get rid of it!!!!
Along with the council!
you anit seen nothing yet wait till st marys starts ..and the following years of misery for all of us…
There used to be The Whitehall Farces, and it was funny. Now replaced by the ‘has beens’ of County Hall trying to write The Wight Farce.
if “The council recognises the value and option the floating bridge will provide during the proposed St Mary’s road works”,.. is it going to be free to use during that time ???
How much is this costing the rate payers ?
What a load of Crap get ring of the floater and the council
Someone should be held accountable for this, all the money that has been wasted!