Residents in Niton will benefit from safer walking routes this autumn, as new pedestrian crossing points will be introduced at key locations in the village as part of a pedestrian accessibility project.
The project will introduce 2 new clearly defined pedestrian crossing points, allowing residents to safely walk across Rectory Road near the bus stop and across Church Street.
The Isle of Wight Council has said the improvements will make crossing points more visible to drivers, reduce the distance pedestrians need to cross, and improve safety in areas with higher footfall, including around local facilities and routes used by families and school pupils.
The pedestrian accessibility scheme is said to have been specifically designed to improve access to local shops, services and public transport, while also making it easier and safer for people to walk through the village.
Improvements are planned to be carried out from 12th October to 23rd October, with dates specifically selected to ensure the works do not overlap with carriageway resurfacing closures in Godshill.
3 phases have been established whilst the work is carried out, each bringing temporary closures for the safety of drivers, pedestrians and the workforce.
Phase 1 will see the crossing on Rectory Road near the bus stop being installed. This will take place between 12th October and 16th October.
During this time, Rectory Road will be closed at its junction with High Street, meaning that traffic coming from Whitwell will not be able to enter Niton via this road.
Traffic to and from Whitwell will need to use the clear signposted route through Godshill, Rookley, Chale Green and Chale. Drivers looking to head from Chale to Whitwell will also need to use the diversion as Rectory Road will not be open as a through route.
Depending on traffic volumes, 2-way lights may also be in place at the junction between Church Street and Newport Road, if required.
Phase 2 of works will see footway enhancements outside of the local supermarket to improve pedestrian accessibility.
This will be carried out from 19th October and 20th October. During this time, Newport Road will be closed at its junction with Church Street.
Parking will also be suspended on a section of Church Street for this time. This parking suspension is essential to keep traffic moving in the village and the workforce and public safe.
Phase 3 will see a pedestrian crossing installed on Church Street. This will take place between 21st October and 23rd October.
While this takes place, the existing 1-way system on Star Inn Road, Blackgang Road and High Street will be temporarily suspended. The roads will become 2-way and will instead be controlled by multi-way traffic lights.
Parking will also be suspended on a section of High Street and Blackgang Road. These temporary changes will ensure that no wider diversion route is required and is essential for keeping traffic moving in the village and avoiding congestion.
The Council has confirmed that these closures will be in place 24/7 for the safety of drivers and the workforce, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout.
As well as this, a 6’6” width restriction will be placed on Blackgang Road and Church Street for the duration of the works due to larger travelling vehicles being unable to safely pass through the worksites.
Temporary parking restrictions will be in place on Church Street and Blackgang Road to help maintain clear and safe routes for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Norris Stores car park will remain open during the entirety of the works.
Councillor Claire Critchison, councillor for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, said:
“Safety is always our number one priority, and improving pedestrian access in Niton village is something that has been raised many times by people at community meetings and parish council surveys.”
For further information including FAQs, please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/niton-works.
