Work by Island Roads to upgrade a key section of the Sandown to Newport cycle track has been completed.
In partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, Island Roads has replaced the former footbridge over the Eastern Yar at Alverstone with a new, longer, wider version also including higher parapets, making it suitable for use by horse-riders as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
For the first time, it will now be possible for ridden horses to follow the whole route from Shide to Sandown along the track.
Horse-riders on the Island and beyond have been involved in the planning and delivery of the new bridge section, and the work was delivered with the support and cooperation of the IW Bridleways Group and British Horse Society. Both organisations also made a financial contribution to the scheme.
The work was completed on schedule despite periods of flooding during heavy rainfall in November.
This section of the cycle track lies within a flood plain and the new bridge has been raised slightly to keep it clear of floodwater. Doing so not only means it is less likely to be rendered impassable because of high waters, it is also less prone to damage or to affecting the river flow.
The original bridge was due to be refurbished by Island Roads under the highways PFI contract, but the Council stepped in to provide additional funding for the replacement project.
Ian Hodson, Island Roads structures manager, says:
“While we have been undertaking work it has been necessary to close the track at this point so we would like to thank those who have helped us by following the signed diversion.
“We hope cyclists, pedestrians and horse-riders will agree the small period of inconvenience was more than offset by the benefits of a new, more accessible bridge.”
Ian Ward, cabinet member responsible for the Highways PFI said:
“We are delighted that by working with Island Roads we have been able to deliver an enhanced scheme that increases access to our magnificent countryside.
Article continues below this advertisement “I would also like to acknowledge the contributions from the IW Bridleways Group and the British Horse Society and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”
It’s a great bridge, just a shame they took away the bench that was there and haven’t replaced it. It was a beautiful place to sit and pause for a while
Flimsy wood construction will be kicked to pieces by the local bored youth within weeks. Best left as it was.
You been there and inspected it then Cin_ical? Or just trash talking as always because you hate it when something good is done.
Now cyclists will just ride even faster creating a danger to the elderly, unaware, pets and children.
Piles of horse manure on the track to cycle, push prams through or just step in with more flies in the Summer around too.
The wooden bridge rather than metal will rot with no planned maintenance.
The metal bridge it replaces had been in use, still was, for about 50 years, can’t see this one doing half that.
But, will it last a longer time than their roads? Watch this space.
Another costly construction to allow those more ease of speeding through the countryside that much faster, rather than to just amble, absorb and enjoy nature on foot. So now we have to avoid speeding cycles and arrogant horse riders and their droppings.
What an ‘improvement’…NOT.
One only hopes that now the louts don’t start using this route on these new electric scooters, both terrorising elderly walkers, endangering children and the dog walkers pets.
A backward step it would seem for the enjoyment of this beautiful area, just being turned into a highway for those to lazy to just walk.
As always no thought to wheel chair users. Both dog and horse much to try to wipe off now then.
Please educate me, what is it about that bridge that makes it unusable to wheel chair users?
A typo. ‘both dog and horse muck to try to wipe off now then’.
Bridge was quaint before. Used to play pooh sticks with my daughter, it was overgrown with lily pads and reeds. Now all been cut back and lost character. Oh well, progress and all that.
Great job island roads (sustrans )