[su_button url=”https://cdn.islandecho.co.uk/uploads/2019/09/St_Marys_Junction_plan_IRResource_1567425630_190829_st_marys_junction_signalised_v5.5a-compressed.pdf” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#da1f26″ size=”5″ icon=”icon: file-pdf-o”]Download the St Mary’s Junction masterplan[/su_button] [su_button url=”https://www.iwight.com/StMarysJunctionImprovements” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#e1b025″ size=”5″ icon=”icon: external-link”]Find out more about the St Mary’s scheme[/su_button]
A major 15-month scheme to transform St Mary’s Roundabout into 2 brand new, linked traffic light junctions gets underway in Newport this morning (Monday).
The works are part of a wider package of improvements which, once completed, will make journeys for those travelling in and around Newport much easier with fewer delays. The scheme is intended to ‘future-proof’ this busy junction given the expected growth in traffic movement in the area and unlock former prison land at Camp Hill for redevelopment.
This is your comprehensive information guide to the St Mary’s Junction project, with full details on what is taking place between now and Christmas.
What’s happening today?
Contractors are establishing their site offices and associated infrastructure to enable the works to get underway. However, a partial road closure has already come into force. This work is known as Phase 1 and 2 and will run until 3rd November.
Forest Road has been closed to all traffic heading away from Newport. This means anyone wishing to travel towards the West Wight will need to divert via Newport Town. Traffic heading into Newport is unaffected and can continue to use St Mary’s Roundabout as normal.
Those travelling to St Mary’s Hospital or Cowes from the West Wight should note that the slip road has now been closed. Motorists can use the roundabout to continue to Cowes, or perhaps considering alternative routes such as Porchfield.
The partial closure of Forest Road is to enable utility works and other works associated with the scheme.
For those travelling towards the West Wight, the diversion will incorporate Coppins Bridge, St George’s Way, Medina Avenue and Trafalgar Road.
3-way temporary traffic lights will be in force at the junction of Trafalgar Road and The Mall, Carisbrooke to assist with traffic flow. In addition, parking has been suspended on the road between Wellington Road roundabout and Recreation Ground Road, meaning traffic will be able to flow in both directions along Carisbrooke Road with ease.
Will the B&Q roundabout be closed?
The roundabout leading to B&Q, the Isle of Wight College and Dodnor Industrial Estate will be closed overnight between 20:00 and 04:00 for a period of 2 weeks in Mid October.
During the closure, access will be maintained to B&Q and the College under temporary traffic lights with access from the Dodnor approach.
These works will provide an additional lane on the roundabout.
What are the next stages?
Phases 3 and 4, to run from 4th November until 20th December, will be more intrusive for motorists with lane closures on St Mary’s Roundabout and its approaches. However, Forest Road will re-open in both directions by 4th November.
A 30mph speed limit will be enforced in the local area, including on the dual carriageway.
The outside lane (turn right/straight ahead) on the approach from Cowes will be closed to all traffic.
The outside lane of the dual carriageway (northbound towards Cowes – turn right/straight ahead) will also be closed, forcing traffic to filter into a single lane. This could cause travel delays.
The inside lane of St Mary’s roundabout itself will also be closed, as will the right-hand lane from B&Q roundabout and the right-hand lane from Forest Road.
How will the new junction look overall?
The new junction will completely change the look of the area, with the aim of decreasing congestion and increasing capacity.
As you can see from the plan below, Forest Road will become a traffic light-controlled junction with right-turn access for traffic travelling from Cowes.
St Mary’s roundabout will be replaced with a large traffic light-controlled junction with multiple approaches, with the adjoining B&Q roundabout becoming much bigger.
A dedicated bus lane will be created off Hunnyhill, with safety improvements in the area for pedestrians and cyclists too.
I have an appointment to get to. Will traffic be bad?
During the scheme traffic lanes will be reduced temporarily and contraflows introduced, as well as short-term speed reductions. Road users will inevitably experience delays and should allow additional time for their journeys. It is worth also considering, where possible, changing the time in which you travel to avoid rush hour or potentially look at alternative modes of transport or routes.
Recognising the impact on adjacent areas, double yellow lines will also be introduced to Manners View and Riverway for at least the duration of the scheme, to enable better access to the industrial estate.
To help support local businesses, the local authority will be offering free, weekend afternoon parking in its Newport town centre car parks in the run-up to Christmas.
Meanwhile, Floating Bridge Saver Cards — which usually cost £2 — will also be available for free during the works, offering discounted travel on the Cowes Floating Bridge.
Will work be taking place over the festive period?
Work will pause over the Christmas and New Year period when the roundabout will operate as usual. Further updates on the scheme are expected in December, which will detail work for the New Year and beyond.
How can I find out more about the scheme?
Regular scheme updates and information will be provided at iwight.com/StMarysJunctionImprovements.
A public information event is being held on Thursday 17th October at Medina Theatre, Newport (19:00). This is for anyone wishing to hear more about the works. Tickets to the public information event must be obtained in advance by visiting iow.gov.uk/theatrebookings, or from the theatre Box Office.
A detailed summary of the works between now and 20th December can be downloaded at iow.gov.uk/documentlibrary/view/phase-1-4-work-summary.
There are a variety of factors including inclement weather, emergency works and scheme extensions that can affect the timing of works. Due to the size and nature of this scheme, the works programme is subject to change, but programme updates will be issued as each phase progresses.
