Temporary traffic lights are now in force in Newchurch and are to remain so throughout the Summer months to stop an historic bridge from deteriorating any further than it already has.
Last week the 2-way lights were erected on a narrow bridge at Langbridge, The Shute after inspections and assessments identified the need for strengthening works to take place.
Motorists can expect disruption through the village – used as an alternative route between Ryde and the South Wight – as the lights will remain in-situ until at least September. At the end of the Summer season works are expected to take place to repair the bridge, but it remains unclear if a road closure or any restrictions on weight/size will be required.
An Island Roads spokesperson has told Island Echo:
“As part of its work to improve the highways network across the Island, Island Roads is undertaking an ongoing programme of work to repair, upgrade and strengthen more than 60 highway structures – bridges and retaining walls – across the Island this year.
“As part of this work, inspections and assessments were carried out at Langbridge, The Shute in Newchurch, which identified the need for work to upgrade and strengthen the bridge. Since then, work has been underway to develop a scheme to permanently strengthen the bridge and to seek the necessary consents required to undertake these works.
“The scheme is planned to be undertaken in September 2017 in order to avoid the main tourist season, but in the meantime, Island Roads have put in place some interim measures in order to prevent the bridge from deteriorating further. These include the installation of temporary two-way traffic lights and cones at the site which will direct traffic to use the central part of the road and help to control traffic speeds and volumes across the bridge, until the planned strengthening scheme can take place.
“The road remains open to both vehicles and pedestrians and can still be used by HGVs and buses. We appreciate that the traffic signals may cause some short delays to people’s journeys and thank drivers for their patience during this time.”
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