NEW traffic arrangements will come into force next Monday (8 June), as the Isle of Wight Council works to complete controversial changes at St Mary's Roundabout in Newport.

A one-way system will be in place, along with parking restrictions and diversions. 

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County Hall says it has changed its plans due to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown.

It says final surfacing cannot be scheduled until completion of Southern Water diversion works, which have been delayed by the limited availability of specialist equipment during the coronavirus lockdown.

Work on Parkhurst Road, outside St Mary's Hospital, is nearing completion.

Extra lanes required for the traffic signal-controlled junctions and improved cycling and walking connections to the hospital have been created.

Work was expected to stop during the Isle of Wight Festival, but that will not go ahead due to COVID-19.

Read more: Isle of Wight Festival cancelled

Travelling? What are the changes?

Isle of Wight County Press:

  • Work on Medina Way brought forward: Southbound exit from St Mary’s roundabout; the bus link to Hunnyhill; connection between Forest Road and Parkhurst Road.
  • One-way (eastbound) system on Forest Road, from Monday 8 June until late August.
  • Westbound diversion via Medina Way/St Georges Approach/Trafalgar Road/Carisbrooke Road/Gunville Road.
  • Temporary parking restrictions in Carisbrooke Road.

When that is finished, activity will shift to creating the signal-controlled junction in place of St Mary’s roundabout and changes at Hunnyhill.

"Different set of challenges"

- Cllr Ian Ward

Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: "We recognise that each phase of these works brings a different set of challenges for motorists to negotiate.

"However, the fact we are able to undertake this new phase at a time when our roads are quieter and during a period now available due to the unfortunate cancellation of the festival means the impact will be reduced.

"We hope that the maps and information that we are publishing in advance will help people to plan their essential journeys and we remain grateful for everyone’s continued patience as we progress this important junction improvement scheme.”

Kevin Burton, Island Roads network manager, paid tribute to the construction crews and supply chain partners who had amended their practices so work on the project could continue safely during the Covid-19 outbreak.

He said: “Companies like Crown Park and Wight Building Materials have worked sensibly and innovatively in the past few weeks to enable us to keep making progress on this major scheme.

"That we are still on track to be able to embark on this new phase is, in the circumstances, a major achievement.”