Newport St Mary's Strategic Junction Improvements
Work on a major scheme to reduce traffic congestion and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists at one of the Island’s busiest junctions is due to begin at the end of September 2019 and last until mid-December 2020.
Construction of the Isle of Wight Council scheme will transform the approaches to, and access across, St Mary’s Roundabout in Newport.
The scheme, which is part of the wider Newport Strategic Junction Improvements and agreed by the council in September 2018, is designed to reduce congestion now as well as ‘future-proofing’ the junction - given expected growth in traffic movement associated with regeneration projects in the Newport area.
It is the largest of a package of schemes designed to improve traffic flows through Newport, which have been financed largely by a Government grant of £9.6 million, supplementing development contributions.
Other schemes within the overall Newport Strategic Junction Improvements, such as the new arrangements at St George’s Way and Shide, have already been implemented, while others which will follow in the next three-five years - including the link between Coppins Bridge and the Matalan roundabout, which has also been given the go ahead - are still being planned.
Collectively these schemes, once completed, will transform the flow of traffic in and around Newport and accommodate the projected volumes of traffic expected in the emerging local plan.
The St Mary’s junction scheme includes benefits for vehicular, pedestrian, cyclist and local bus traffic with new widened shared-use cycle/pedestrian facilities and the removal of the current roundabout which will be replaced with two, linked traffic light-controlled junctions to improve traffic flow.
There will also be an additional lane introduced at the B&Q roundabout to ease congestion on the approach to and from the new junction.
It will also include widening of the Northbound carriageway of Medina Way to accommodate two right hand turn lanes to facilitate traffic turning onto the industrial estate. The road from Cowes into Newport will also be widened on the southbound side to ease congestion on the approach to the junction.
Works will also be implemented on Forest Road at the same time as SSE carry out planned high voltage cable upgrade works to help minimise future disruption for residents and the travelling public on this route.
The plans have evolved over time with a significant number of changes being incorporated following feedback from the public consultation. The signal-controlled junction is one such major change together with improvements to the B&Q roundabout and enhanced cycle and pedestrian links. Since then the proposed scheme has also undergone a further independent, external review just to be absolutely certain that this scheme presents the best possible approach to the improvement of that key junction.
The council is however advising road users that the work will cause disruption during some phases, particularly until motorists become accustomed to temporary traffic arrangements during construction.
Timing/phasing:
The project, which is planned to begin on September 30 and be completed by mid- December 2020 is the largest of its kind on the Island for many years.
Construction will take place over a number of phases. The initial phase will begin on 30th September 2019 and run until 20 December 2019. Please refer to the key documents below for a summary of the work that will be undertaken in this first phase.
The works will pause over the Christmas and New Year holiday in 2019 and during the IW Festival period next June. Work will take place during the day and at night when appropriate and elements of the scheme will be implemented concurrently.
There are a variety of factors including inclement weather, emergency works and scheme extensions that can affect the timing of works. Due to the size and nature of this scheme, the works programme is subject to change, but programme updates will be issued as each phase progresses.
Likely impact:
The work to improve the junction will be carried out by Island Roads and during construction there will be various temporary traffic arrangements to enable work to be undertaken as quickly and safely as possible. Traffic lanes will be reduced temporarily, and contraflows introduced as well as short-term speed reductions. Road users will inevitably experience delays and should allow additional time for their journeys. It is worth also considering, where possible, changing the time in which you travel to avoid rush hour or potentially look at alternative modes of transport or routes.
Recognising the impact on adjacent areas, double yellow lines will also be introduced to Manners View and Riverway for at least the duration of the scheme, to enable better access to the industrial estate.
Information and updates:
Residents and stakeholders have received letters about the scheme and its implications and will continue to do so at relevant points throughout the scheme.
Discussions have also been held with the emergency services and with St Mary’s Hospital to ensure all blue light responders are always able to reach their destination. IW College, Amey and B&Q have also been informed along with other local businesses.
Regular scheme updates and information will be included on this page as the scheme progresses and will also be relayed via Twitter.
If you have any questions about the scheme that are not covered by the frequently asked questions document below, or would like to contact us - you can email info@islandroads.com or telephone 01983 822440. You can also use our Report it online facility here.
Key documents
