Motorists have reason to celebrate this afternoon (Wednesday) as not only have the temporary traffic lights been removed from Downend, but Briddlesford Road has fully re-opened in both directions. It was just over 2 months ago that a hit-and-run driver smashed into the traffic lights at Downend, rendering the permanent set inoperable. Since then, 3-way temporary traffic lights have been in operation whilst Island Roads sourced specialist teams to make repairs. Island Roads stated that the contractors would be on the Island across 11th and 12th March and, good to their word, they have been busy working away at Downend this week to ensure the temporary lights are removed in time for Easter. It has been confirmed this afternoon that the main set of lights have now been switched on. Just down the road, towards Wootton, Briddlesford Road has fully re-opened in both directions between Robin Hill roundabout and Wootton Common roundabout. The busy road has been shut for more than 9 weeks whilst SGN undertook emergency gas main replacement works. This has caused significant disruption for motorists and local businesses, with fears growing that the road would be closed heading into the Easter period. Earlier this week, Island Echo reported that SGN planned to re-open the road on Wednesday. Again, true to their word, Briddlesford Road has this afternoon re-opened to all traffic. In Ryde, overrunning SGN works on Upton Road are due to be completed on Friday, when the road will fully re-opened between Upton Cross and Bettesworth Road. It has been closed since 2nd January as part of gas main replacement works.
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To be honest the 3way traffic control actually meant it was easier to go straight on when traffic was turning right….
But hey ho …. .
All that time when could of widened junction to allow through traffic from Arreton to Robin Hill roundabout.
All I will say is that it took long enough to do the lights by the Hare and Hounds, still need to fix the filter light from arreton side to the downs though that doesn’t work
So if Upton Rd is now open then why are there still “Road Closed” signs & the number 37 bus still diverting ?
Really? Has anyone other than some jobsworth in C.H celebrated traffic lights?
Wtf does Island roads want? A cake?
I bet the sequence of the lights will be set to cause maximum congestion.
Why does it take so long on the island for works to get done.
Because Island Roads make a profit from it. Simples.
Just over 2 months to fix a set of traffic lights well done Island Roads top work as always
Should have created a roundabout at the Hairy Hound junction.
Less light pollution, less delays, less to go wrong, and no ‘dead’ time of car awaiting the change of the lights.
If made large enough, much safer and easier too.
Yes, let’s celebrate the fact that it took over 2 months to repair a set of traffic lights.
And that the gas pipe at Briddlesford Road has also taken over 2 months to replace.
With both of those, for most of the 2 months, literally nothing was being done. It only took workmen a couple of hours on Wednesday to fix the traffic lights once they started.
Maybe, a bit more urgency in the future would be appreciated?
Ummm had friends call today to say they had to redirect as briddlesford is still closed, so either this article isn’t true and it’s not open yet or they’ve finished the work and left all the road closed signs up. Either way it’s another poor show for islanders.
Briddlesford Road is now closed from the roundabout at the Hare and Hounds, but with access to Lynbottom tip being maintained from the Wootton direction.
Tree works are taking place on that section now! The road should be open in the evenings though.
Quite right – I tried to use Briddlesford Road from Wootton direction at around 3.30 pm and it was closed. All the signs were still in place.
Much preferred the 3 way lights at Downend. It was especially advantageous when coming up from Arreton.
As for the road being open, the powers that be (in their infinite wisdom) then promptly closed it for tree cutting. The road has been closed in significant part for months, necessitating diversions. Why the heck couldn’t this tree cutting have been scheduled during these closures. A distinct lack of joined up thinking and lack of operational flexibility.
Just tried to use Briddlesford Road around midday and it’s still closed while some tree works are done. Have the gas main contractors branched out into tree surgery?
I’ve only just twigged your comment
Leaf it out, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Sorry chaps, Briddlesford Road currently closed between Robin Hill roundabout and the tip entrance.You could not make this up. Is there anyone in island roads co-ordinating this. 9 weeks of closure and now they do this.” Island Roads” hold it up to the light. Not a brain in sight.
We went to East Cowes ferry terminal from Arreton this morning (14th) and Briddlesford Road was still closed…