'Massive Delays' In East Cowes Means Buses Are Avoiding The Area

Continued chaos in East Cowes because of roadworks and ferry delays means some buses might not serve the area today (Friday)

Southern Vectis routes 4 and 5 will be "subject to heavy delays" due to traffic along Yarborough Road.

As previously reported, the roadworks in East Cowes that have been going on since March, have been branded 'an absolute joke' by residents.

Island Roads initially said the four-phase plan to upgrade York Avenue was starting early in the year while coronavirus restrictions were in place, “so the work can be completed before the start of the main tourism season”.

WATCH A VIDEO BELOW of the unmitigated chaos today.

The traffic is all the way back from the town to Yarbrough Road. Earlier vehicles were stationary for an hour.

 Cllr Karl Love told Isle of Wight Radio:

"Shopkeepers report to me they are hundreds of pounds down and it’s a Friday which is a busy day!

"Island Roads have had a lot of abuse whilst working and it isn't really their fault. The workers are taking an awful lot of aggravation of use there is no need for it it’s not their fault it’s a mixture of high winds and the complex Highway rebuild.

"They have also had to switch the traffic lights off because that was causing mayhem.

"I want to give a shout out to the workers who are doing the best we’ve got cars driving on path’s and all sorts."

Because of a week delay, Island Roads is starting the final phase of the works, to resurface the main route in and out of the town, at the same time as phase three is underway.

Cones were put in place on Tuesday, the night before works started - causing confusion for residents as the junction of Adelaide Grove and York Avenue was shut to traffic. 

But Island Roads says it has been closed “In order to create more parking” and it means the previous restrictions can be lifted in Adelaide Grove between its junction with Yarborough Road and York Avenue.

But some residents dispute that, they posted online:

‘What an absolute joke! No parking anywhere in east cowes. What alternatives have we been offered for parking while these essential works are undertaken? I have had to park my car miles away and probably taken up a space for someone who lives there. (SIC)’

Diversions on quieter residential roads will be in place until June and residents posted on social media to pay their “houses were shaking” because of the sheer volume of traffic.

Route 1
The 12:23 will not operate owing to difficulties in East Cowes on the earlier trip. <S.J>

— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) May 21, 2021

Routes 4 & 5
Massive delays on the 4s & 5s as Yarborough Road is gridlocked due to ferry traffic. <S.J>

— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) May 21, 2021

Route 4
The 12:50 Route 4 from Ryde to East Cowes and the 13:20 from East Cowes to Ryde will not operate owing to the difficulties in Yarborough Road. Anyone that needs Ryde will need to catch the 5 to Newport and transfer to a 9. <S.J>

— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) May 21, 2021