Major Gas Network Upgrade Planned Across Ryde With 14-Month Programme Of Roadworks

A major programme of gas network upgrades is set to begin in Ryde, with works expected to last around 14 months.

Gas network company SGN says it will start essential work to upgrade the local gas supply network in the Binstead Road area from Monday 16th March.

The project will involve replacing ageing metal gas mains and services with modern plastic pipes in a bid to ensure the community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.

The work forms part of a nationwide mains replacement programme developed with the Health and Safety Executive.

Following discussions with the Isle of Wight Council, the project will begin in March and is expected to continue until May 2027.

Engineers will carry out work across a number of roads in Ryde as part of the extensive programme, which aims to reduce the risk of future gas leaks and maintain a safe and efficient supply to homes and businesses.

Because many of the gas pipes are located within the road, a range of traffic management measures will be needed throughout the project, including temporary traffic lights and road closures.

First Phase Of Works

The first phase will begin on Monday 16th March and is expected to last around four weeks.

During this time, engineers will be working on Binstead Road between the junctions of Spencer Road and Thornbrough Close.

Multi-way temporary traffic lights will be in place while the work is carried out.

Further Works On Binstead Road

From Monday 13th April, a second phase lasting around two weeks will take place between Spencer Road and Stonepitts Close.

SGN says it plans to carry out this section while Binstead Road is already scheduled to be closed for resurfacing works by Island Roads in order to minimise disruption.

Gas mains in Stonepitts Close will also be replaced during this period.

A third phase will then run from 27th April until 29th May, covering Binstead Road between Stonepitts Close and the roundabout with Ringwood Road.

Temporary three-way traffic lights will be installed during these works.

Operations on Binstead Road will then pause until October.

Summer Road Closures Planned

Between late May and early October, engineers will move to Church Road, Pitts Lane, Quarr Road and The Old Rectory.

Phased road closures will be required while work progresses along those roads, with affected residents due to receive further information.

Work Continues Into 2027

Further work will take place on Binstead Hill between Chapel Road and the Ringwood Road roundabout from 19th October until 18th December, again using temporary three-way traffic lights.

The project will then pause over the Christmas period before resuming on 4th January 2027.

The final phase will run until 25th May 2027 and will involve work in Queen’s Road, Ringwood Road, Thornborough Close and Westward Road, where drivers will use ‘give and take’ traffic management around the work areas.

Access And Local Services

During phases involving road closures there will be no through access for vehicles, although signed diversion routes will be in place.

Access for residents living within the closures will be maintained, with SGN saying its teams will keep those affected informed about local arrangements.

Bus routes could also be affected, and passengers are advised to check with their service providers for the latest information.

Bin collection days are expected to remain unchanged unless residents are told otherwise.

Susan Day, Stakeholder and Community Manager at SGN, said the company had worked closely with the local authority while planning the project.

She added that while roadworks can be frustrating, the new plastic pipes have a minimum lifespan of around 80 years, meaning homes and businesses in the Binstead area should benefit from a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.