Island roadworks scheme finishes early

One of the major roadworks projects affecting motorists on the Isle of Wight has ended ahead of schedule.

New Road in Brading was closed while large sections of the highway were reconstructed between Marshcombe Shute and the High Street.

Island Roads, who carried out the work, said it had been a "considerable challenge" given the adverse weather conditions in recent weeks.

Elsewhere on the island, one‑way systems remain in place until April on the A3054 at Fishbourne and on Horsebridge Hill between Cowes and Newport.

Island Roads said the work in Brading involved deeper-than-usual excavations to tackle underlying issues that had led to the deterioration of the carriageway.

A diversion was in place for cars and buses via St Helens and Bembridge. HGVs faced a longer diversion route.

The road was originally scheduled to reopen on 27 February, but Island Roads announced on Tuesday that the work had been completed.

It said addressing the root cause of the problem would "secure a longer-lasting, more resilient stretch of road"

"By undertaking a comprehensive reconstruction now, we've reduced the risk of repeated emergency repairs in the future, particularly during the busy summer period.

"We appreciate that closures, diversions and temporary traffic management are never easy and the support of the local community has helped us to complete this ahead of schedule," it added.

Motorists on the island have faced months of disruption due to a series of roadworks, which also include a one‑way system on Horsebridge Hill, meaning there will be no access towards Cowes from Newport until 17 April.

Alongside this, the main road into Ryde from Newport has been affected, and the A3054 at Fishbourne will have a one‑way system and diversions in place until 10 April.

The work is part of Southern Water's £5m programme to upgrade ageing water mains.

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