New Road in Brading has reopened in both directions today (Tuesday) following the early completion of major improvement works by Island Roads, restoring a vital transport link between Ryde and Sandown.
The road had been closed since the start of February to allow for significant highway improvements between Marshcombe Shute and the High Street – a road already resurfaced once under the PFI contract.
The works were originally expected to continue until Monday (2nd March) with Island Roads warning that the scheme would take up to 4 weeks to complete due to the need for deeper excavations to address underlying structural issues in the carriageway. But things have moved more quickly than expected, allowing the road to fully reopen late this lunchtime.
The closure caused widespread disruption, with lengthy diversion routes put in place for motorists. Bus services were also affected, prompting concerns from residents who said they had been left cut off during the works, until a shuttle service was introduced.
The early reopening means drivers no longer have to follow the extended diversion routes via St Helens and Bembridge, or Brading Downs and Ashey, significantly reducing journey times between Ryde and Sandown.
The Mall in Brading, which had been temporarily closed to prevent it from being used as a rat run during the New Road closure, has also now reopened to traffic.
However, temporary 2-way traffic lights have now been erected on High Street due to scaffolding being used for work to a private residential address.
Hooray. I wish some numpty would get the traffic lights done
at Lake, it’s been 3 weeks and is a pain in the a@se!