Works at Ryde Esplanade to completely transform the transport interchange are progressing well, with hopes that the £10million scheme will be completed by the end of the Spring.
The new entrance and exit to Ryde Pier has near enough been completed, with work now focusing on the bus stands. These will allow buses to pull up alongside, rather than driving in and then reversing out of bays.
Attention will soon turn to creating the new junction to allow buses to go directly up George Street, cutting journey times. This will, however, introduce a set of permanent traffic lights along the seafront route.
Locals have been critical of some of the works completed so far with concerns raised about the vehicular exit of the pier. Not only are vehicles emerging straight onto a pedestrian crossing, but there is not enough space to allow vehicles to exit the pier before traffic emerges from the right, leading to queues forming. Furthermore, the left turn is said to be too tight for larger vehicles.
On the pier itself, a new pedestrian walkway is being installed to separate traffic from those walking up and down the historic structure. An artist’s impression below shows how the pier will look in the near future…
Once completed, the new interchange will provide better transport connectivity and public space, including improved cycle paths. Improvements to the railway station will not only add to the fresh new look but will facilitate new public toilets.
Although it is unknown exactly when the scheme will be finished, it is hoped by the local authority that it will be completed in time for the Summer.
Can’t believe they’ve got away with that exit lane. Don’t the council have people which monitor road safety? If that was someone’s driveway on a new house, it wouldn’t be allowed.
It wasn’t broken, so obviously needed fixing!
Why fix it, if it was not broke, total waste of money.
Slowly destroying the islands architectre, character, history and quaint local landmarks.
‘Should be finished by Spring’ and what is the financial implications there? Obviously none. Keep on spending until ultimately finished. Typical lack of control of spending of public money. Was the job ever properly evaluated and costed? Doubt it. Was there a finish by date, or penalty, put in the contract? Doubt it. Does it matter that many are being mucked around for an indefinite period of time? Of course not.
It looks worse than it was before, they have ruined Ryde.
it would have been better spending the money geting the railway back to newport
There is a counter intuitive acute angle left turn exit from the pier at the base of Union Street and on top of the pedestrian lights. It looks like the makings of a serious bottle neck and trouble spot. Currently the ease of flow from the pier to the main road means there is hardly any delay exiting the pier. I have been caught in tail backs up the pier since this new layout. I hope someone sorts this out as this is NOT an improvement. In fact it currently looks like a serious design fault.
Doubt this council will improve it. Only need to read Island Echo, to see the list of there failures.