Motorists are set to face nearly 3 months of disruption in early 2026 as Southern Water confirms a one-way system will return to Horsebridge Hill for critical mains replacement works.
From 26th January to 17th April, all traffic heading into Cowes will be diverted via Thorness as part of a major £5million upgrade to 11km of ageing water pipes across the Isle of Wight.
When Horsebridge Hill was made one-way earlier this year, to enable junction works for the new Three Oaks estate, the area suffered major congestion, hour-long delays, and widespread frustration.
Hundreds of drivers were caught flouting restrictions, and both councillors and residents criticised the planning and notice period of the previous closure.
Today’s news is likely to prompt concern from regular road users and local businesses, with the one-way system expected to cause significant delays once again.
Southern Water has confirmed that letters are being sent to affected homes and businesses, and public drop-in events will be held before the end of the year.
The utility company has stressed that the project is essential to reduce bursts and interruptions, with the works carefully scheduled around the Summer holidays and major Isle of Wight events to reduce overall impact.
Nicholas Marshall, Senior Project Manager for Southern Water, has said:
“Many of the pipes that supply the Island are more than 100 years old and it’s essential they are upgraded to reduce the risk of bursts and interruption to supply.
“While we understand that road closures are never welcome, we’ve worked closely with Island Roads to minimise disruption and ensure we are able to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. We are grateful to customers for their support and patience as we work to future-proof the Island’s mains for years to come.”
“…the works carefully scheduled around … major Isle of Wight events”
Ah, yes, nothing must inconvenience Mr Giddings’ money-making.
Of course, there is an alternative: through the Prison Estate.
So why the absolute F*&K couldn’t SW have done this work at the same time as the one-way system was in place before???
No doubt they’ll be digging up the part that has just been laid,.. they always do
whilst the one-way section may have had to have been a little longer for SW to do this as well, ..the disruption & all the chaos caused, would have been the same…. but only once!
So… are SW going to dig up the works done this year, or is this latest attack going to be somewhere else? If the former, then what an utter cock-up! If the latter applies then, what an utter cock-up! Why can’t companies on this island work in harmony, not cause as much chaos as possible. WORK TOGETHER!!
What about assistance to the disabled. Will the buses have the same as last time freedom from it all along with the ambulances. We rely on the latter for to and from the hospital as we are classed as housebound.
This time make sure it is being policed with
Camera’s or Highways personnel to stop
Numpties breaking the rules.
If it’s a one way system no driving in the wrong
direction.
With all the road works that take place for such long
durations, surely it would be the perfect time to
install speed cameras and speed humps along such roads.
Kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
20mph is plenty
J.S
I was thinking 10 mph?
J.S
Good lad
What a sad twat you are..go live in fucking wales then they love the 20..
The sooner 20mph is on the island the better
that will teach inconsiderate numpties once
and for all.
Hallelujah
No quick getaways from the prison, then!
WHY the fuck was this not done same time when the road was shut this year you really couldn’t make this shit up..so the new road will already be dug up wankers.