Motorists travelling in the East Wight face significant diversions tonight (Monday) and in the coming days as Yarbridge Cross is closed for emergency gas works.
The closure is being implemented this evening owing to a large gas leak in the area, with all 4 approaches to the busy crossroads to be closed off to traffic in the interests of safety.
Island Echo readers report a strong smell of gas locally.
Those travelling between Ryde and Brading will need to divert via Bembridge (at least 8 miles), Newchurch or Arreton. Motorists travelling to and from Bembridge from Newport also face a lengthy diversion via Ryde or Lake.
It’s currently unknown how long the road will remain closed for, but it could be several days. A 4-way set of temporary traffic lights is currently in place. The closure, which is due to come into force shortly, is likely to have an impact on the emergency services.
All Southern Vectis buses will divert via Bembridge and St Helens and will be unable to serve Brading. Passengers should expect delays to timetabled services.
Island Line rail replacement buses are also anticipated to divert via Bembridge and are not expected to serve the Brading stop.
SGN were carrying out repair works in the area last week. The company has been approached for a statement.
UPDATE TUESDAY – Waseem Hanif, spokesperson for SGN, has said:
“This is a complex repair which requires specialist contractors and equipment. We need to create a temporary bypass around the gas main so we can safely carry out the repairs while keeping gas flowing to our customers during this cold weather.
“We understand this is a busy route so we’ll be working into the night and throughout the early hours to ensure we complete repairs as quickly as possible.
“It’s still too early to say how long it will take to complete repairs, restore the road surface and reopen the road”.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY @ 19:30 – Yarbridge Cross has been reopened in 3 directions, under temporary traffic lights.
Motorists can now travel between Sandown, Ryde and Bembridge. However, heading to and from Brading Downs you will still have to divert for the time being.
Read more here: islandecho.co.uk/yarbridge-cross-re-opens-in-3-out-of-4-directions-under-traffic-lights
I hope the elderly peoples heating is able to be used.
what about everyone else, do they freeze in your world. – there are plenty of wealthy elderly with leccy heaters.
someone should seriously be b-llocked from the job just done there and the company fined, not good enough again
well, get your tools out jim and go and do a better job, instead of simply criticising
Well said islander probably nice and snug in his house without a thought for the poor workers out 24/7 to monitor the leak and fix it
exactly smithy …another armchair slave driver, that thinks everyone else should be doffing their cap to the lord and master and be punished severely for errors, whilst he sits atop his comfy chair with his feet up
I would be pretty sure with today’s health and safety there are strict rules and procedures for any work carried on leaking gas mains.ie no one would leave a leaking gas pipe.
As we are in lockdown and only essential travel is allowed the roads should not be to bad.An extra 10 mins in your nice warm car.Not the end of the world really is it?
Nothing to do with job. These leaks happen and safety comes first. How would you like to be out there 24 hours a day in this weather? Or would you rather they opened the road and left it to blow up? Unless you know the facts shut up
Can you get through Morton old road and the mall from sandown
From Morton Manor to Hornsey Rise is one way. You can only go down the hill. So you can only go back to Sandown that way.
I expect there will be loads of drivers thinking the same thing, it could be a rat run.
However, I bet that alternative route will be closed in some way, best not to try. I have to get to Ryde from Shanklin this morning and I’m going through Newchurch, but I expect even that will be a nightmare.
Unfortunately from Sandown way that’s not possible because Morton manor road is one way. It is a possible diversion if your going into Sandown from Brading though
Add massive amounts of extra cars when Ryde is hugely increased in size.
Such numbers of homes even larger amount of extra drivers will impact far far more than just one area.
Recall this at May’s election ballot box.
The only route that can use morton old road is traffic coming from the Downs. Traffic travelling through Brading is not allowed to turn right into the Mall.
Like all utility companies on island always having to go back on previous work joke
Stop whinging. We should thank the utilities staff for all their hard work, usually in atrocious weather conditions.
Well said
and what dismal standards did you offer at work then old bean – I bet you were criticised endlessly for poor performance
I’m sorry but what would people rather, that the gas leak continues. These poor workmen are working in freezing temperatures dealing with a dangerous situation. People should be grateful that they are willing to work in these conditions. I have just been out and taken teas and coffees to the kind workman. What would people rather, that the surrounding areas go bang