The dual carriageway in the heart of Newport will be closed on and off for 5-and-a-half months, between September and February, as Island Roads undertakes a major maintenance scheme.
Significant works will get underway later this year to replace key structural components of the Medina Way Bridge, which spans the River Medina and carries 4 lanes of traffic.
Scheduled to start in mid-September and last through to February, the project will involve removing and replacing 16 bridge bearings, which are crucial for the bridge’s safe operation.
As well as disruption on the dual carriageway, both Little London and Newport Quay will be completely closed off throughout the project to safely accommodate temporary supports for the structure.
Traffic will be able to access the Quay via Fairlee Road and Seaclose, while Little London and its businesses will remain accessible via the existing one-way road, which will be converted into a temporary two-way outside of the Bargeman’s Rest.
Work has been planned outside the main tourism season and after local events such as Riverfest, the Isle of Wight Festival, and the Classic Car Extravaganza.
Island Roads hasn’t gone into detailed specifics of the dual carriageway closures as this stage, but it is said the closures will be ‘short’ and overnight.
Luke Ward, Project Manager for Island Roads, says:
“Medina bridge, a three-span structure spanning a total length of 54m, is the largest highway’s structure we manage. It is heavily used, so we must balance safe maintenance with the impact on road users and businesses.
“Our inspections indicate that now is the time to undertake this work, and we are providing as much advance notice as possible.
“We have already started discussions with local businesses and event organisers, whose cooperation is greatly appreciated. These conversations will continue, and we will provide more details as plans progress.”
Earlier this week, Island Echo reported that a 2-month-long one-way system is about to come into force on the main road between Newport and Cowes, which is set to cause significant disruption for motorists.
The news hasn’t gone down well with motorists, with over 500 comments on the matter – which has left locals angry.
If works must be done then let them be done,
safety is imperative.
It might be a good idea to work around the clock
to get the works finished quicker than 6 months.
Could be done in half the time if Island Roads didn’t work half days.
Could be done in a lot less time if island roads never had one working and six watching.
Oh so true
Out of Tourism HaHa. Blow the tourists what about we who live here and finance the Island.We are treated as though we don’t exist. We have shortly got to put up with Horsebridge Hill for two months. There are many who rely on the online shopping so the couriers are not even thought about.
Looking forward to more lack of road diversions signage, or signage far too late. Or only signage in one direction. Oh the comedy of lazy and butchering of wildlife habitats and still using glyphosphate on our pavements; Island roads is already hilarious. Can’t wait to see the gangs of workers on teabreaks or standing around talking to each other. Pmsl. Another wonder of the Isle of Wight.