Works to create safe pedestrian access to the new bridge in Newchurch have been completed ahead of schedule, with the road once again open to motorists.
Despite the recent searing heat, the project was completed and the road re-opened on Friday — well ahead of the scheduled finish date of 5th August.
Island Roads said the project went particularly smoothly as there were no unexpected hiccups on site, staff had worked additional hours and residents had also been very supportive by observing the traffic management measures put in place to allow the work to be undertaken safely.
Project manager, Stuart Faulds, said:
“Having an effective road closure in place really enabled our team to make good progress despite the heat.
“We’d really like to thank the community for their support and understanding during these works and also highlight the effort of our on-site team who did a really great job in the heatwave.
“We kept them hydrated and ensured they took breaks in shaded areas and it was a really great effort by everyone involved.”
Newchurch Parish Council commissioned the bridge to bypass the main road, meaning walkers no longer need to navigate the narrow and busy stretch of road through the village. However, before the crossing could be brought into use, further works were necessary to ‘connect’ the structure to the existing public footpath network and provide safe pedestrian access.
The Isle of Wight Council offered to undertake the work at no cost to the parish council to ensure the bridge could be opened before the start of the summer holidays.
The works have resulted in the loss of a small pull-in area that although hatched, was often used by vehicles to allow extra passing room.
Nice jobs it looks, haven’t used it yet but will.
Thanks all involved.
Victoria Avenue where the pavement ends on the sharp bend just before America Woods footpath entrance has a verge which if flattened and cut back would make safe walking or cycling at very little cost.
As it is now people and cyclists trying to get to the woods or the cycle path to Wroxall have to walk quite a few yards on a busy road on a bend.
Where the verge already exists seems an easy and quick ‘fix’ for safety for all.
Yes, but why wasn’t it done at the same time as the bridge?
Bounder, bounded from Newchurch to Shanklin.
I understand it was someone with a disability who wished to have a ramp fitted, I guess it was an oversight in the planning or they assumed that no disabled person would have the wherewithal to climb or ascend that almost perpendicular shute at Newchurch, so didn’t bother.
Can’t really answer for them, but all well and good now, tis all that matters.
Yes, congratulations to all involved. Bounder’s suggestion is extremely sensible, That stretch of road is a danger zone especially if you have dogs. Either that or put in speed cameras to stop the excessive speeding motorists and prosecute. Which would cost less?
Wonderful news now how about Cowes seafront opposite The New Holmwood that has been totally ignored since the storms in March. Good advert for the Island with Cowes Week fast approaching
Get the very rich people that live there pay for it, the snotty yotties will love it…
Not everyone is very rich in Cowes and they pay the Council tax like others so why should the pavement be an eyesore and a danger for 4 months.
Be careful what you wish for! Island Roads will probably start the work next week!!