Isle of Wight Traffic Disruption: 3-Month Horsebridge Hill Works
The Isle of Wight is set to experience significant traffic disruptions starting from the end of January, with a major road between Cowes and Newport turning one-way for nearly three months. Southern Water (SW) is undertaking extensive pipe replacement work on Horsebridge Hill as part of a £5 million project.
The upgrades aim to reduce emergency works and interruptions to the water supply, while also addressing leakage issues. This will involve road closures, diversions, and temporary speed restrictions, similar to the arrangements put in place last year.
Here are the key details you need to know:
Horsebridge Hill One-Way System
- The road will be one-way from 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, until 6 p.m. on Friday, April 17, or until the works are completed.
- The one-way restriction will be in place between the junction with Noke Common and the junction with Nicholson Street in Newport.
- During the last one-way period, a similar system was in effect from May 12 to July 5, with a brief reopening for the Isle of Wight Festival.
Diversion Route
- Traffic will not be able to travel towards Cowes from Newport but will be directed via the following route: Forest Road, Whitehouse Road, Rolls Hill, and Pallance Road.
- Southern Vectis buses, emergency services, and vehicles involved in highway winter maintenance will be exempt from the one-way restriction.
Betty Haunt Lane Closure
- A temporary road closure will be in place along Betty Haunt Lane, starting from its junction with Forest Road for a distance of 20 meters, throughout the duration of the Horsebridge Hill works.
- This closure is necessary for safety on the diversion route while utility works are carried out.
Temporary Speed Restrictions
- During the works, the speed limit will be reduced to 30 mph on the following roads:
- Horsebridge Hill (between Stag Lane and Partridge Road)
- Rolls Hill (between Little Whitehouse Road and Hillis Gate Road)
- Hillis Gate Road (from Rolls Hill to Pallance Road)
- Pallance Road (from Hillis Gate Road to the start of the permanent 30 mph restriction)
- Additionally, there will be a 40 mph restriction on Whitehouse Road (between Forest Road and Little Whitehouse Road) and Little Whitehouse Road (between Whitehouse Road and Thorness Lane).
Other Important Information
- A 24-hour highway clearway order will be implemented on Pallance Road, Northwood, from its junction with Rew Street to its junction with Nodes Road, prohibiting any vehicle from waiting on the carriageway.
These disruptions are expected to cause significant changes to the usual traffic flow, and residents and commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly. The authorities have emphasized the importance of these upgrades to ensure a more reliable and efficient water supply for the island.
