Island Roads has suspended all highway and footway resurfacing across the Isle of Wight as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The PFI contractor says that safety is their absolute priority and that they are taking their responsibilities to managing the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak very seriously.
Staff are continuing to undertake important tasks such as repairing road defects, keeping the streets clean and bins emptied, cutting the grass so that it does not reduce visibility and keeping the traffic signals and street lights working.
Operational crews have been split into 2 shifts with staggered the start times to help keep teams separate, thus minimising the risks of infection. In addition, almost all activities are now being carried out with just 1 person in each van with additional vans sourced to support this move. Work may be undertaken earlier or later in the day as Island Roads adjust to the changes.
Due to larger, close-proximity teams being needed for resurfacing works, Island Roads have cancelled all resurfacing works until such a time that it is safe for workers to resume.
Work at St Mary’s Junction Improvement scheme continues, albeit with a smaller workforce, and Island Roads say they are keen to continue to deliver scheme in line with the agreed timetable. However, work has to be balanced against the latest health advice. Fortunately, the scheme is currently in a phase where required manpower levels are not as high as they have been during other elements of the scheme
A spokesperson for Island Roads has said:
“While the information above outlines the current situation, naturally there is a risk that in the coming days and weeks, our staff become unavailable either through sickness, through self-isolation or because they have caring duties. In anticipation, we have undertaken contingency planning with our partners and supply chain to ensure we have the required staff and resources to undertake our responsibilities.
Article continues below this advertisement “To assist us with managing any necessary highway reports, we would also encourage you to make use of our online reporting facilities. These can be found via the yellow button in the top right hand corner of our website homepage www.islandroads.com or via this direct link https://fms.islandroads.com/ Alternatively you can email us via [email protected].
“We continue to take highway related calls via our normal phone number 01983 822440. This team also deals with any contact and responses relating to highway emergencies, so we would encourage people not to make contact for items that are non-essential or low priority.
“We continue to keep a close eye on the advice from the Government and our management team are regularly evolving our daily delivery approach to stay aligned with this continually changing situation”.
Lets hope that the workers stay safe and well. The roads can wait, as few cars on them now, and as poverty grows it will perhaps be that way for a long time to come now.
Why has it taken this long for the 2 in a van to be sorted it’s unbelievable the risk to their workers and their families island roads has put there workforce under ,without doubt the risk has outweighed the benefit big time .
Only time will tell
On the other hand…. ideal opportunity to fix stuff with no cars around. ?
Yea agree, But separate vans Should of been done ages ago , 2meter rule been in for ages there’s been totally no compliance
“2meter rule” .. it’s ‘guidance’ not a rule, therefore cannot be enforced
Not guidance at all it’s for everyone’s safety
The “2 Metre” distance is, apparently, an Instruction – see next article/Police.
The cars are around just not moving, try to get people to park somewhere else during lockdown and you’ve got the top job at island roads
They can’t work safely so no it can wait. What is more important. Cases are rising here let’s get priorities right.
So the St Mary’s job is a CV19 free zone then. My son hated working for island roads and myself and many others can understand why. Great PR for them… not
I will put money on it, the management, are sat at home in a safe environment.
So how does painting benches /rails count as important! Pot holes need filling, ,lots more cyclists on road. Split shifts mean extra pay.after 6pm..so hopefully it really is essential work being done
But still out painting the roads!