Horsebridge Hill roadworks

The Isle of Wight Council is working with the developers of the Horsebridge Hill site to issue regular updates on the works impacting the A3020, Cowes Road.

Dates: 12 May - 4 July, traffic heading towards Cowes will be diverted via Forest Road, Whitehouse Road, Rolls Hill and Pallance Road.

The timing and importance of the works: While there is never a ‘good time’ for roadworks, these works are being carried out now to expedite the delivery of much-needed social housing on the Island. Due to the number of parties involved and various contracts in place, the plan was signed off recently and all parties involved apologise for the short notice.

Scale and duration: Teams will be undertaking junction improvement works and installing utilities to the site.

To ensure that there is minimal impacted to the road network long term, the developer is required to put in a right-hand turn (from Newport to Cowes). This will involve widening the road and putting in a third lane. Given the nature of the works on the highway, a traffic management plan was a requirement on the developer.

Reason for the diversion:

Traffic will continue to operate as usual, in both directions, north of the road works at Horsebridge Hill. The one-way diversion will be affect those travelling from the south side of the roadworks (those travelling north from Newport towards Cowes).

A one-way system for around the roadwork site has been chosen for two main reasons.

1. Due to the volume of traffic, traffic lights will cause more disruption. They will only let a few cars through at a time and if the exit is not clear the other lane of traffic will not be able to move through freely when their lights are on green.
2. Shutting one carriage way allows more workers and plant machinery to be on site and working on various jobs at once and it will be safer for the work crews too.

Exemptions: During the roadworks, local buses will have priority and will be able to pass through the roadworks in both directions. A crew member will be onsite to ensure that buses get through, helping commuters and children getting to school, especially during exams, get to their destinations on time. We encourage as many people as possible to switch their car for the bus during the roadworks.

Emergency Services will also be able to use the road network in both directions during this time.

Arrangements during the IW Festival: We can confirm that the road will be open as normal during the Isle of Wight Festival.

Further updates from the site developers will be available through these newsletters as well as being posted on our social media pages.