Motorists are facing delays heading in and out of Newport this afternoon (Wednesday) as a result of a large tree coming down across the carriageway on St George’s Way.
Strong gusts have brought the tree down on the northbound side of the carriageway between Asda roundabout and Matalan roundabout on the main road from Blackwater.
1 side of the road is completely blocked by the debris but the southbound lane heading out of Newport currently remains open but traffic is slow.
Island Roads have been alerted to the situation and are sending out responders.
As previously reported by Island Echo, a weather warning has been issued for the Isle of Wight for the rest of the day, and motorists have been warned to be mindful of debris ending up in the road.
UPDATE @ 14:23 – Southern Vectis say Routes 2 and 3 buses will operate via Medina Avenue to ASDA and will not serve the St George’s stops.
Island Roads also say that responders are on their way to the scene and a local diversion is also currently in place.
UPDATE @ 14:51 – Island Roads are also on their way to respond to reports of a fallen tree at Pan Lane, Niton and a large branch overhanging the carriageway at Bouldnor.
They are also responding to reports of a garden fence blowing into the highway on Sandown Road between Lake and Shanklin.
UPDATE @ 15:16 – Island Roads have said that St George’s Way, Newport and Pan Lane, Niton are now both re-open. They urge people to take additional care when driving in these conditions.
Southern Vectis have also said that buses will now once again serve St George’s Park.
And I’m feeling glad all over
If the Tories had not cut so much we may have had a functioning council and roads / ground work departments that would have delt with this tree before it was an issue. It’s been dead and rotting for some time. But at least their leader got to pretend he did not live in the UK to save money.
I think you’ll find it’s the mismanagement of local funding, council incompetence and a rise in crime that’s to blame….or something. Nothing to do with us cutting funding just about everywhere we can and making people poorer!
Why drive unless it is absolutely necessary on days like these.
Next week the weather is meant to be improving, summer is on its way
Yippee.
Whatever smelly Trevor
Large Tree? My wooden Leg is bigger than that…….
I must admit, my driver told me he had a terrible time trying to get into Newport because of this awfully positioned tree. I think I’ll need to have a word with the council.