Some of the Island’s ‘most sub-standard stretches of road’ are to be improved by Island Roads in the next tranche of work to upgrade the network under the Highways PFI.
The latest phase of resurfacing will see roads across the Island improved. The roads have been identified either because of the poor condition of the surface or the substructure, however many Island Echo readers have been left confused as to the choice of roads to resurface over notoriously rough areas.
Roads to be resurfaced in the next tranche of works include sections of Main Road, Brighstone; Pellhurst Road, Ryde; Shorwell Shute, Shorwell; Newnham Road, Binstead and Whitwell Road/West Street, Godshill.
The latest announcement sees roads such as Sandown High Street; New Road, Brading and George Street, Ryde left untouched.
Island Roads Service Director Paul Herbert said:
“Everyone is aware of the poor state of the Island’s highways network – with the Isle of Wight previously being ranked at the bottom of a national road conditions survey – and it was one of the key reasons that the Island was selected for PFI funding.
“It is a major project and the work will be completed as part of the agreed seven-year core investment period. This programme prioritises the worst roads, or stretches of roads, whether it is their actual surface or substructure that is of particularly poor quality.”
The planned work follows other recent schemes including those at Rew Lane, Wroxall and Knighton Shute, Newchurch, that were brought forward in the programme because these stretches had been particularly affected by the Christmas and New Year storms.
Running alongside the rolling resurfacing programme is regular highway maintenance that addresses surface deterioration until the longer term work is undertaken.
Herbert continued:
“As a result of the resurfacing work, it will mean some disruption to motorists but we know the long term benefits to the highway network will outweigh any short term inconvenience.
“Once again we will be informing residents of upcoming schemes ahead of work commencing and details of the programme – which is subject to change – are displayed on our website – www.islandroads.com”.
