A well-used footbridge allowing pedestrians to cross the railway line between Shanklin and Sandown has been removed in an extensive operation overnight as part of the process to refurbish it.
The path which runs parallel to the Skew road bridge was lifted from its foundations by a rail-crane during the late hours of last night (Wednesday) in the latest stage of a 3-day operation which saw roads closed and diversions put in place.
The 9-tonne bridge will be refurbished off-site, and pedestrians will be able to cross the tracks using the road bridge thanks to the installation of temporary traffic lights.
It’s the latest in a line of renovation works that have been undertaken to bridges across the road and rail network in various locations, including Foxes Bridge in Sandown.
The refurbishing of the Skew bridge is being completed as part of an 8-week plan of work, which has also seen Alresford Road bridge refurbished, to bring both in line with the standards required by the Highways PFI contract.
Why does this bridge have to be taken off Island for maintenance? Surely there is a firm on the island who could do the necessary maintenance and give it a coat of paint. Trust our council to go for the most expensive, least green option. Rather like the floating bridge.
The decision is Island Roads’ not IW Council. I believe there are at least two Island firms with both the physical capacity and the necessary certification to do the work.
Where does it say off island , it says off site , totally different .
In another article it said it was being taken in three pieces to a mainland firm.
Be interesting to see what needs to be done to it, it undoubtedly needed regular maintenance but the design seemed sound enough. Surprised it couldn’t be done in situ.
Why was the removal done at night? I thought the road was closed to facilitate the work. Working at night must be more expensive surely? It would be easier to see what you are doing in daylight too!
Alresford Road Bridge, where is that ?
On the mainland now. Island roads are not don’t have the ability to do it them selves. And we have all been asked to shop local. Nice one island roads
Sadly that’s what happens when a firm employs the son of every worker there.
In the end there is no skill set within the company.
Good shout Gregg, so refreshing to know that there are people with a brain out there, I think it’s called nepotism,and it stinks, should be against the law,that is why the island is what it is!