A road safety scheme to provide better visibility at a busy Bembridge junction has been completed.
The improved pavements give a safer crossing point for pedestrians, more grass verge and a much better view for drivers approaching the junction next to the popular pub the Pilot Boat Inn.
The work has involved realigning the pavements and kerbs to allow adjustments to be made to the junction itself.
Tactile paving has also been installed to help pedestrians with mobility issues cross the busy section of road.
On the southern side of the road, the existing footway has been realigned and new verges created, which will be planted with grass later in the season.
The road itself has been resurfaced, new road markings put in place, and next year when weather conditions permit anti-skid surfacing is due to be installed.
The project took 4 weeks to complete following earlier consultation between Bembridge Parish Council, the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads.
Councillor Sheila Weedall, Chairman of Bembridge Parish Council, said:
“I think the work has reduced the general speed of traffic in the area, and it has certainly made this busy part of the village safer for everyone.”
Article continues below this advertisement “This has been a junction known locally as one where motorists have had to take particular care,” said Councillor Michael Murwill, Isle of Wight ward councillor for Brading, St Helens and Bembridge.
“Drivers will still need to take care of course but the junction is better now for all users, so I am pleased that the Isle of Wight Council was able to find the extra money for this work, which falls outside of the usual PFI contract with Island Roads.”
Stuart Faulds, Island Roads project manager said:
“We know this scheme has been a while in the planning but we are pleased to have completed the actual work on schedule and would like to thank the local community for the co-operation and understanding shown during construction.”
Looks great thanks guys and helps with visibility issues the old road and path had.
Looking at the main photo,it’s not stopped someone riding a push bike on the wrong side of the road,or does the scheme include a contraflow for bikes?
Bikes should still adhere to the highway code, they aren’t a separate vehicle that has rights to do whatever they want
I believe there was talk of imposing a 20mph speed limit in Bembridge.
Yet after further research it was deemed unnecessary and would likely alarm many of the elderly residents drivers, many of whom haven’t been able to attain that speed since the 60′, whilst in their prime!
A neat job by Island roads and now, with a wider grass verge, the pub can place another bench nearer the road for the DFL mob to have diesel fumes, carbon and road grit over ones smoked salmon lunch, making them feel ‘more at home.’
The bag snatchers, muggers and undesirable to come later, as our main council fill the Island with main land over spill, which they are paid to take.
Bag snatchers, muggers, get a grip. I bet your not from the island. We don’t have any of that. Stop scaring people.
Calm down Maureen Geoff’s posts ending is like an old fashioned watch – a wind up.
Maureen, my point was that IF the Down From London, DFL’s were dining near the road pollution on the ‘extended’ verge, then to make them feel even more at home, perhaps when the Island takes in it’s fair share of undesirable tenants into the en masse building which is to happen on the Island, then such crimes would make them feel a little less ‘homesick’.
It was meant to be funny and sadly could also be true, as the council is ‘paid’ to take in inner city over spill by their current council, who clearly will try to rid themselves of the most troublesome tenants.
So I too may be laughing on the wrong side of my Island face, and I and my family have been here for generations, HENCE why I am protective about the Island and it’s residents.