Island Echo always welcome letters to the editor, which may of course not reflect the views of the publication and its staff.
Letter – Thursday 5th February 2026
“As someone whose job sees them out and about on the Island’s road network all week long, I feel like the amount of roadworks ongoing at the moment is ridiculous.
“Trying to get to Ryde has become especially difficult. You have the closures at Binstead, works at Elenors Grove, the emergency closure at Havenstreet and traffic lights on Lushington Hill, all seeming to happen at the same time. Added to that, the closure of Horsebridge Hill in Cowes has put even more pressure on the road network in Newport, even if you are not travelling anywhere near Cowes itself.
Article continues below this advertisement “Most people understand that roads need fixing and that bad weather causes delays, but it really does feel like there is very little thought about how all these works overlap. You end up diverting down other roads, only to find they are full of potholes and patch repairs as well.
“Another big frustration is seeing roads closed when no one appears to be working. In places like Binstead, roads such as Pellhurst Road, Binstead Road and Green Street in Ryde have all been affected at the same time. It leaves you wondering why some of these couldn’t stay open with temporary lights or give-and-take instead of full closures.
“In Sandown, where I live, things are no better. The temporary traffic lights at the Lake crossroads are causing long delays most of the day, especially around school and work times, which make doing the school run a nightmare.
“With Brading also shut, some people are having to take a 9-mile diversion via Bembridge just to get to Ryde, which adds 15 to 20 minutes to journeys and extra fuel costs on top.
“It is also starting to affect local businesses. People are avoiding busy areas because of the traffic, deliveries are taking longer, and staff are struggling to get to work on time. That cannot be good for an Island that relies so much on local trade and tourism.
Article continues below this advertisement “Extra closures like Beachfield Road in Sandown just add to the confusion, with drivers trying to follow multiple diversion routes that do not always make much sense.
“People are not against roadworks, but many are asking why so many roads need to be closed at the same time, why sites often seem quiet during the day, and whether more could be done overnight to speed things up.
“I have lived on the Isle of Wight all my life and I can’t remember it being this bad. Everywhere you turn there seems to be another set of roadworks, and people are getting tired of the delays, poor communication and lack of planning.
“All anyone is really asking for is better coordination and a bit more consideration for those who rely on these roads every day.”
Mark B
Sandown
the Isle of Wight council profits from permits for highway works, the more works the higher the profits.there is no consideration for the users
No, it doesn’t. Island Roads does, and more so now because they are struggling financially. More road closures/traffic lights equals more revenue as an add-on to the initial contract. That contract runs until 2038….god help the councillors who agree to new terms extending that date if IR goes bust.
On their heads be it. We’ve all seen exactly how it’s been managed thus far.
You didn’t include wroxall !!! Been a nightmare foe months and when it is able to reopen is then closed for another 6 to 8 wks…a joke all round and its on us….
Absolute shit show ..
It was recently commented that:
To get from Cowes to Ryde, it’d be quicker to catch red funnel to S/hampton then drive to Portsmouth to then catch ferry to Fishbourne and tap thru Firestone. Absolutely nuts!!!!
Don’t go through firestone cops road it is breaking up with all the traffic going through it,
That is very true. I have decided to stay put unless
walking anywhere.
It’s diabolical.
Co-ordination requires co-operation between the IWC, Island Roads and the utility companies. The last I heard our council leader does not even co-operate with Island Roads, so no-one is looking after our interests. No-one is concerned or responsible for the impact on the residents of this island. We just have to lump it. Roll on May when we can hopefully vote in people who understand their responsibility, and care.
Well said
Don’t forget the potholes the island roads are a disgrace but where the blame lies is another question
Absolute disgrace no proper planning no thought for road users. Put council tax up and destroy peoples business as customers can not get to them.
An unelected council with officers who have no common sense or knowledge to run OUR ISLAND