Public invited to information evening as major junction remodelling work gets underway in Newport
Residents are being invited to an information evening at Medina Theatre as major works to remodel the junction at St Mary’s roundabout get underway next week.
The 15-month scheme will replace the existing roundabout with two, linked traffic light-controlled junctions.
Preparatory works, including the set-up of a site compound/works depot, are due to start on Monday (30 September).
At this point, most of the approaches to the roundabout will be unaffected with all existing lanes open to traffic north and southbound between Cowes and Newport on either side of the roundabout.
The major change during this period until Monday, 4 November will be Forest Road which will become one-way eastbound into Newport from its junction with Argyle Road.
This is to accommodate works by BT, WightFibre and SSE high voltage cabling works ahead of the road widening work at this junction.
A signed diversion will be in place for traffic heading towards Gunville and West Wight via Medina Way, St Georges Way, Trafalgar Road, Carisbrooke Road and Gunville Road.
During this phase, work will also take place to introduce the additional lane to the B&Q mini roundabout.
This will start in mid-October for five weeks, including two weeks of night-time work during which the mini roundabout will be closed to traffic. Works undertaken here during the day will not affect traffic movement.
In the second phase of work, from Monday, 4 November to 20 December, Forest Road will revert to two-way traffic, while all other approaches to the St Mary’s roundabout will be reduced by one lane while works to remove the central reservations and roundabout take place.
While static and electronic signs are already out on site to advise of the forthcoming works and an extensive letter drop, bus information screens, social media, information display boards, stakeholder briefings, website updates, press adverts and information have been issued, the council and its contractors Island Roads, are keen to ensure that residents have the opportunity to ask questions about the scheme and the traffic arrangements being put in place.
A public information evening is therefore being held at Medina Theatre on Thursday, October 17 at 7pm for anyone wishing to hear more about the works.
Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member responsible for transport and infrastructure, said: “The scheme is the largest project to date to improve current and predicted future traffic volumes and traffic flow in and around Newport and facilitate the planned redevelopment in the area including a major project at Camp Hill.
“The scheme is particularly complex because we need to complete the work while keeping this busy junction open to traffic.
“We have carried out extensive communications already ahead of the works starting but recognise there may still be people who have questions about the scheme and the traffic arrangements being put in place and we are therefore holding this information evening so we can answer their questions.
“In the meantime, we would also urge people to take note of the information on both the council’s and Island Roads’ websites to help them plan their journeys and to allow more time for travel, especially at peak times.”
The scheme will transform the approaches to the roundabout with new widened shared-use cycle and pedestrian facilities, an additional lane around the B&Q mini roundabout providing better access from the industrial estate and a dedicated bus lane at the exit from Medina Way northbound at the junction with Hunnyhill.
St Mary’s is the largest of a much wider package of junction improvements which, once complete, will make journeys for those travelling in and around Newport much easier with fewer delays.
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 to five years — including the link between Coppins Bridge and the Matalan roundabout, which has also been given the go ahead — are still being planned.
Council leader David Stewart added: “Councillor Ward and I have engaged with officers to explore what further steps can be brought forward for Coppins Bridge itself.
“Considerations include lane realignment, traffic light management, turning lights off when not essential, and improved access signage for vehicles entering and exiting the roundabout from different locations.
"I am also keen to see plans for a Medina Bridge progress as soon as practicable. I believe this holds the long-term solution to much of the lack of infrastructure identified and will have a positive environmental impact as well as alleviate the congestion.
"We are already underway with the feasibility study and I aim to bring plans forward as soon as possible to we can get funding and take this project forward for the benefit of our community."
Tickets to the public information event must be obtained in advance by visiting https://www.iow.gov.uk/theatrebookings/, or from the theatre Box Office.
Contact Information
Martin NevilleIsle of Wight
martin.neville@iow.gov.uk
martin.neville@iow.gov.uk
