"Massive Disruption" To Island Road Network Raises Questions At County Hall

“Massive disruption” to the Isle of Wight’s road network in recent months has raised questions at County Hall.

Councillors Julie Jones- Evans (independent), Sarah Redrup (Liberal Democrat) and Andrew Garratt (Liberal Democrat) sought answers over recent road closures at last Thursday’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee (ERTIC).

In response, the council put forward a “joint presentation” with Island Roads on roadworks management for a date in August.

Cllr Jones-Evans said:

“There has been major disruption over the past two months in particular for the Island’s road network, causing significant negative impacts on local businesses, services and residents.

“Some of the roadworks were planned and some were emergency works.

“What lessons have been learnt from this by the Isle of Wight Council and other agencies involved and how will this learning be implemented for future, planned highways works to mitigate the impact on our Island community?”

Cllr Redrup cited several complaints from Wootton Bridge residents and businesses about “poor communication around roadworks, traffic management systems and road closures”.

She asked:

“What steps will the committee take to bring together the highways department, Island Roads and utility third party companies to review these concerns, identify lessons learned and ensure better co-ordination and communication with residents, businesses and the wider community in the future?”

Cllr Garratt said the one-way closure, diversion and one weekend full closure of Horsebridge Hill brought “massive disruption”.

He urged a “full, transparent and candid” review, adding this was “particularly important given the work anticipated by Southern Water in the coming months on Horsebridge Hill, Forest Road and other areas on the Island”.

Cllr Jones-Evans, who chairs ERTIC, read out the council’s response.

It said:

“We can arrange for a joint presentation from the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads at the ERTIC on Thursday, August 21.

“The presentation will focus on how roadworks are managed, responsibilities of the various parties, including what role the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads carried out in the management of the roadworks and what the responsibilities of utility companies, third parties, are.

“Using Horsebridge Hill as an example, the presentation will set out the amount, cost and type of additional resources that will achieve the level of engagement with their residents that councillors have requested.

“This will provide the committee with the opportunity to assess whether they wish to ask the policy, finance and resources committee to consider specific budgetary implications.”