Smallbrook Lane will re-open in both directions on Monday 14th March but at the cost of the complete closure of Carters Road, Island Roads has confirmed.
Good progress has been made on the major scheme to improve safety at the busy Smallbrook roundabout on the southern outskirts of Ryde.
Despite some challenging conditions and the ongoing effects of COVID, particularly at the end of last year, the work to divert services and create the new carriageway area on the east side of the road and at Smallbrook Lane is almost complete.
The focus is now shifting to the west side of Ashey Road to realign the kerbs and install drainage and new lighting before the whole area is surfaced.
As a result, Smallbrook Lane is set to re-open in both directions from Monday 14th March but the junction will remain under 3-way temporary traffic lights. It also means that Carters Road will close for a period of 5 weeks. This closure will be at the eastern end of Carters Road although access to all properties will be maintained at all times via the Upton Road end of Carters Road.
The current forecast is that the major works will be completed around 18th April with the surfacing and line marking undertaken overnight thereafter. It means the project is only a couple of weeks behind schedule, with it initially said that the scheme would be complete by early April.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for transport and infrastructure, said:
“It’s not been easy resolving the problems which caused this junction to have one of the worst safety records on the Island. I am thankful we are nearing a solution for all road users here.
Article continues below this advertisement “Having battled the winter elements, Covid and a well-documented burst pipe, good progress has been maintained and it’s encouraging to see we are now moving into the final phase of the works, with the end in sight, and a better, safer junction which has been badly needed for so long.”
“It’s not been easy resolving the problems which caused this junction to have one of the worst safety records on the Island. I am thankful we are nearing a solution for all road users here.
pah – most of the issues are down to poor driving skills. I and many of my friends have all driven across that junction hundreds of times over the years and all without incident and not one of us knew of anyone who had any driving issues at that junction.
just an excuse to waste public money on a junction to prepare for more housing.
Can’t see why it’s taken so long well I can because every time I drive past they are stood chatting
Never any work going on whenever I have driven past either.
So few workers on the site