Motorists are reminded that the main road through Newchurch – a popular route connecting Ryde and Shanklin – will be closed for 10 weeks from Monday.
Back in April of this year temporary traffic lights were erected either side of the bridge at Lanbridge in a bid to reduce the speed in which vehicles travel over the structure. A 3-tonne weight limit was then imposed in July due to the continuing deterioration of the structure.
Over the Summer period heavy traffic has had to divert 9 miles, but from Monday the diversion will be in place for all traffic.
To allow repair works to be carried out, Island Roads will be closing the road entirely for a period of 10 weeks meaning traffic will be unable to travel from Knighton through to Apse Heath and visa versa.
Island Roads’ Structures Manager, Ian Hodson said:
“We appreciate that this is likely to cause inconvenience to local businesses and residents, but these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of the road network and to prevent any further damage to this Grade II listed structure.
“The bridge strengthening scheme has been prepared and this is scheduled to be undertaken in September, outside of the peak tourism season, as it will mean the closure of Newchurch Shute to vehicles as a through road”.
