The Cowes to East Cowes floating bridge will be out of service from next week for a minimum of ten days.
The Isle of Wight Council says it is hoping to have planned maintenance work completed before the end of of the month, in time for August and the remainder of the summer season.
The work is scheduled to start on Tuesday (14).
The council says there will be replacement passenger launch in place, with a capacity for 25 passengers.
It says necessary Covid-19 measures will be in place, including social distancing, face coverings and contactless payment.
The planned maintenance work is to replace segments on the vessel’s two main drive wheels as well as complete noise mitigation measures. Contractors are said to be working extended hours to complete the maintenance as soon as possible.
Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, Councillor Ian Ward, said:
“It has been very difficult to time these works without affecting users of the floating bridge, but we have endeavoured to do so with the aim of all being in place for a return of the service during the peak season. We apologise for any inconvenience during this time.
“The work had been difficult to schedule earlier in the lockdown period, as we wanted to maintain the service as a priority for those needing to cross the Medina, especially key workers, while the Red Jet was not in operation.
“The replacement launch service will provide a regular Medina crossing while the works are undertaken, including catering for any pick up in foot traffic in the post-4 July lockdown easing period.”
Passengers currently using the floating bridge, including school pupils, will be able to switch to the foot passenger launch while the works are carried out.
The shuttle service will operate between 5am and 11pm, and face masks must be worn. There will be a floating bridge foot passenger ticket collector to marshal users appropriately.
Although schools will not finish their terms until later in July, the council says there have been low numbers of pupils using the service.
Since the end of March, the floating bridge has operated a service at 100 per cent reliability, according to the council.
Covid-19 safety measures are in place, in accordance with government regulations and guidelines.
Any passengers with concerns or questions are asked to email [email protected] or visit www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk
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