Island Roads will begin work next month on a scheme that satisfies the need to make a Seaview bridge safer for pedestrians while at the same time preserving its historic character.
Work is required at Gully Road Footbridge because the parapet walls were assessed as not providing enough protection to prevent people falling several metres to the ground below.
Some local residents were however concerned that installing additional railings to improve safety would detract from the traditional appearance of the brick-built arched structure.
Following local discussions, Island Roads has come up with a solution to dig out material from the footway to restore the original levels and, in effect, increase the height of the existing parapet.
Ian Hodson, Island Roads structures manager, said:
“We have to ensure that the structures for which we are responsible do not pose an unacceptable risk to those using them.
“But doing that can provide us with challenges as it is not easy to apply modern safety standards to older structures that were built well before such standards were put in place.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are pleased to have been able to work with the local community to come up with a scheme that protects the character of this footbridge but also improves the safety of those using it.”
Reg Barry, IW Council member for Nettlestone and Seaview, said:
“I am delighted that Island Roads has come up with a solution that takes into account local opinion, local history and the safety of bridge users.”
Built over 100 years ago, the footbridge links Solent View Road, Gully Road and Seagrove Bay.
Such a shame the population cannot walk across now without ‘falling’ over the edge. Perhaps the Seaview residents should cut down on drinking if it makes them unstable.
What a waste of cash in these so ‘called’ hard pressed times.
No doubt Island roads will ‘spin’ this job out for as long as possible.
Council is so odd, will waste cash on this for public safety, but will happily allow inner city rubbish to fill the nine hundred plus houses in Ryde, only a stones throw from Seaview, who will cause more damage to people than this wall ever could.
Brown envelope’s clearly matter
Entirely agree with you, the existing walls look high enough to me. Just like the waste of money building higher walls along that viaduct on the Military Road which had had a perfectly adequate fence buit along the parapet a few years ago. All they have done is cause the motorists to struggle to look over the top instead of looking where they are going.
Perhaps Island Roads could do something about the condition of Seaview Lane whilst on the way there, or will they be arriving by sea?
Well done to Island Roads for coming up with the suggestion to dig out and lower rather than change the look.
Brilliant! Thanks.
It would be very interesting to know how many people have fallen over the parapet in the last 100 years.
There are tyre tracks from a wide vehicle apparent in the photo. And this is a FOOTbridge?
What other safety measures will be put in place to protect walkers from vehicles illegally using this bridge?
As this bridge is so dangerous any body that wishes to use it must be wrapped in cotton wool and only cross it on there Hand’s and Knees.