A stretch of the main road through Wootton is to be resurfaced to coincide with the end of works to strengthen Wootton Bridge.
The completion of the strengthening work will mean that the speed and weight restrictions that have been in place, sending many HGVs on a long diversion, can be lifted.
The resurfacing work, which will be carried out overnight to reduce disruption, will be undertaken in two phases. The first phase from Fishbourne Lane to Wootton Bridge will begin on Monday (15th February) and is scheduled to last 5 nights.
The second phase from Wootton Bridge to New Road will begin on Monday 22nd February and is expected to last just 2 nights. Work on both phases will be undertaken between the hours of 19:30 and 06:00.
The work to strengthen Wootton Bridge is running to schedule and is expected to be completed on 19th February when the current weight and speed restrictions can be lifted.
Keith Gourlay, Construction Manager said:
“We are required to improve the surface of this busy stretch of road under the PFI contract and have taken the decision to do it now, largely when (HGV) restrictions are already in place because of the bridge work. We realise this will cause some disruption but have scheduled the work to be undertaken at night in order to keep this to a minimum. We would like to thank residents in advance for their understanding”.
Cllr Phil Jordan, Isle of Wight Council executive member with responsibility for the Highways PFI said:
“It is great to see the end of this project now in sight, with minimum impact to the main holiday season.
“We do appreciate that the restrictions have been an inconvenience to residents and businesses and we would like to thank them for their patience during the work. I have received many positive comments about the work and I am pleased we can return to some normality here very soon”.
Island Roads’ mobile visitor centre will be at the Lakeside Hotel on Thursday 11th February from 15:00-18:00, when there will be an opportunity to come and view the diversion plans and discuss the works.
The official diversion during the resurfacing work will be from Wootton via Arreton, Lake, Brading and Ryde (both directions), however Havenstreet and The Downs will remain open to local traffic.
