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Floating Bridge Out Of Service For 'Essential Maintenance'

The Isle of Wight's Floating Bridge is out of service from today (Weds) for 'essential maintenance'.

During the work, there will be a replacement passenger launch service between Cowes and East Cowes – with the necessary Covid-19 measures 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. It is envisaged it will take around ten days, with contractors working extended hours to complete the maintenance as soon as possible.

The launch will be able to accommodate up to 25 passengers each trip on its shuttle service between 5am and 11pm, and face masks must be worn. There will be a floating bridge foot passenger ticket collector to marshal users appropriately.

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.”

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