A MAJOR project to replace the entire deck on an Isle of Wight bridge gets underway next week.

The work on Yarmouth Bridge kick starts on September 23 and is scheduled to last up to eight weeks.

It will see the structure closed to road traffic for the duration, with motorists having to divert via Wilmingham Lane and The Middle Road.

Pedestrian access, however, will be maintained throughout, and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge during the works, provided they dismount.

Island Roads says it has worked with the harbour commission to minimise disruption to river traffic.

It will be the first time the deck has been replaced in its entirety since 2009.

At 90-metres long, Yarmouth Bridge is the Island’s second largest bridge.

It is a seven-span structure comprising of steel main beams with composite timber decking.

The highly durable new decking system is the same as that used to re-deck London’s Tower Bridge.