Journey times between Newport and Cowes have remained relatively stable during the second full week of the Horsebridge Hill diversion, with new data showing fewer long delays and continued progress on construction works.
Analysis of 43 journeys recorded between Sunday (19th May) and Friday (23rd May) shows an average journey time of 16.25 minutes via the signed diversion. That’s up slightly from 15.58 minutes the week before, but still well below the 47-minute peak recorded in the early days of the one-way system.
The longest journey last week was 27 minutes on Tuesday morning at 07:53, while the lowest average was seen on Monday at 14.30 minutes. Daily averages were Tuesday 17.18, Wednesday 17.33, Thursday 15.36 and Friday (morning only) 16.00.
Limited afternoon peak data shows journeys after 16:00 on both Tuesday and Thursday reached 22 minutes. Meanwhile, travel from Cowes to Newport continues to flow with minimal disruption.
To ensure a fair comparison, timings are taken from when a vehicle joins Forest Road, or Gunville Road with a 2-minute adjustment, to either Nodes Road via Pallance Road or Horsebridge Hill via Noke Common.
On-site works remain on schedule. Two teams operated throughout the week, with a third set to join shortly as kerbing begins. A crew also worked on Saturday (24th May).
Last week saw the completion of excavation and widening of both carriageways, installation of new drainage and water mains, relocation of electric services and initial surface works. This week’s schedule includes:
- Completion of the new northbound water main
- Start of kerbing installation on the northbound carriageway
- Laying of signal ducting and further widening works
The exemption for buses and emergency vehicles remains in place, helping to ease some of the pressure during peak periods.
With further construction activity due in the coming days, the next set of journey data will offer insight into how upcoming phases – including kerbing and signal works – impact traffic conditions.
At present Cowes is a NO GO zone for me!,
I can’t handle the unnecessary delays.
Talk about lies, damned lies and statistics! The traffic was queued back from Vittlefields Crossroads all the way to the junction by St. Mary’s the other day.
People are avoiding either shopping in Newport or Cowes. I can’t understand why opening for the pop Festival when all that will be passing are busses like they’re doing now. So permanently open it.