During Lendy Cowes Week 2017, the Cowes floating bridge will offer an extended service during the early hours of the morning, throughout the week.
While over the past fortnight the floating bridge has ceased operation at 22:30, due to the volumes of anticipated users during Cowes Week, extra sailings have been scheduled.
From tomorrow (Friday 28th July) until Friday 4th August, the floating bridge will operate daily from 05:00 (from Cowes) until 01:50 the following morning on a constant basis. There will be extra crossings at 20 minute intervals from each side of the River Medina each night, with the final sailing from Cowes at 03:10.
As usual, on firework night (Friday 4th August) the floating bridge will also operate as a foot passenger only service between 18:00-23:00. Due to the high levels of demand on firework night, the Isle of Wight Council is advising that people purchase their tickets to travel on the floating bridge in advance to ensure the smooth sailing of the bridge at peak travel time.
Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said:
“Lendy Cowes Week 2017 is an important event in the Island’s calendar; a chance to showcase our Island and attract visitors to our shores. It is, therefore, important that we are able to provide people with a good floating bridge service during this period, while we remain within the commissioning phase of the new floating bridge. But, it is equally important that we take into consideration the issues raised by local residents about the levels of noise that they are experiencing from the new vessel’s operation.
“Some noise level readings are currently higher than would be preferable, so the Isle of Wight Council is considering the recommendations arising out of the assessment, so that any necessary and appropriate corrective actions can be planned and undertaken. For example, we are looking at measures to dampen the sound of the prow, and are continuing to work with residents as part of the process.”
