UPDATED: The small bridge that allows access to Newport Quay from Sea Street has been closed by Island Roads as the structure has been deemed as weak.
Access to the Quay and the Riverside Centre is now impossible from the town side of the river, with water barriers and road closure signs in place. Instead access is via Seaclose off Fairlee Road.
It is currently unclear how long the stretch of road will remain closed for.
Island Echo has approached the Isle of Wight Council for a comment.
UPDATE @ 16:12 – It has been confirmed that the duration of the closure at Newport Quay is currently unknown, although an initial 21 day traffic order has been put in place.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has this afternoon said:
“Following an inspection of Newport Quay bridge, it has been deemed unsafe for large vehicles. While it is felt that there is a low risk of accidents, the council has requested that temporary barriers and the traffic order is put in place as a precaution.
“Island Roads have put an Emergency Traffic Order in place and have closed it. Signage is being put in place to advise that all traffic accessing the quay, instead use access via Seaclose, as the route through from Seaclose is now open. Both large festival traffic and coach operators have been advised of this emergency diversion.
Article continues below this advertisement “Drivers and pedestrians using this route should be mindful that there is still festival traffic moving within this area to clear the site; please drive safely and note the speed limit of 10 mph.
“Options are currently being reviewed to rectify the issues; but no timescales or costs are available at this stage.
“All enquiries should be directed to the council’s contract management team in the first instance”.
