Motorists face travel disruption for several weeks in July and August as a result of the closure of the main road through Newchurch, all because of a new pedestrian bridge that has been installed.
It has been revealed that Island Roads will be closing Langbridge and The Shute for a period of 3 weeks at some point between 1st July and 12th August – the busiest time of the year. It is to enable footway accessibility improvement works to be completed to allow access to a new pedestrian bridge that has been installed.
As previously reported by Island Echo, new 12.5m footbridge has been put in place in Newchurch to provide safe pedestrian access through the village. It means walkers will no longer have to navigate the narrow and busy stretch of road over the stone bridge.
Island Echo readers commented earlier this month how the bridge did not appear to be accessible to all users with a step up onto a concrete block. Now, work is being undertaken to create an access point to the bridge and to ensure it meets modern standards.
The route through Newchurch and Winford is popular with local drivers trying to avoid The Bay area, as well tourists visiting attractions such as The Garlic Farm. So the closure will be felt hard, especially for those travelling from Ryde towards the South Wight – and visa versa.
Under the proposed scheme, the road will remain closed both night and day.
Island Echo has approached the Isle of Wight Council for a statement but a week later a response has not been provided.
Looking at the photo, dont it need just a couple of ramps? Maybe I’m being over simplistic, AGAIN.
Looking at the photo, what it needs is the two cups refilled to extend the t-break and the job.
Yes and use the cup holders provided on the bridge
You couldn’t make this up!! Who on earth makes these idiotic decisions?
Answer: Isle of Wight Council and/or Island Roads.
If they actually did some work, rather than stand there looking into it, on mobile, drinking bottomless cuppas and holding trousers, or skirts, up any job here could be done in far far less time. But, of course, It is the Isle of Wonders.
Bonus for the residents, no speeding drivers for 3 weeks.
Even a snail speeds with a 20 mph limit.
Translation please
Why could this project not be done over winter?
Because it is cold.
And this project has been deliberatly penciled in to coincide with island roads unofficial 3 week holiday.
Just when the island needs visitors!!!!!
What idiot thought of that timing?????
Garlic farm will seriously be affected, roads will be made worse by heavy construction lorries,….
Extra traffic on main rds, due to holiday season and locals having to divert !!!!!
Round of applause to those that arranged timings !!!!! Well done bravo !!!!!!!
one quick question.What has happened to the resurfacing program? It seems to have come to a stop.
Don’t wake them up!!! Some berk in County Hall will saying ‘Oo! yes! we must get on with that!!’
I think Island Roads think it’s finished or perhaps the chap the council paid megabucks too cancelled any more work to make the contract cheaper?
OTT as usual. Not convinced there was a real need for that unsightly piece of plastic alongside the old stone bridge, I’ve walked over the original many times it just needs a bit of patience and self preservation.
What a horrible design. Aren’t there any restrictions on what the Council can build in the countryside? If you or I had put that ugly thing in our front garden no doubt someone from the Council would have been along to tell us it was an eyesore and to remove it.
Wouldn’t a lattice effect have been more pleasing (and saved on materials too)?
And, did no-one seriously think about access to the footbridge until it was already in position?
No speeding trucks through the village, no boy racers thinking they’re smart, no more aggressive mothers and people ignoring the 20mph limit….!!!!