Plans for a bridge over the River Medina ‘actively considered’

The Isle of Wight Council cabinet have ambitious plans for a bridge over the River Medina.

The plan to build a bridge in the Stag Lane area between Newport and Cowes is being “actively considered” by cabinet members.

The idea is to effectively join Fairlee Road and Cowes Road over the river in a bid to ease traffic congestion around the Coppins Bridge roundabout – slashing journey times for commuters and tourists.

If built, the bridge could potentially boost the economy of the entire Medina Valley – bringing jobs and the possibility for developments in the wider valley area.

Stag Lane view over the Medina, a possible location for the bridge

Cabinet secretary, Councillor Chris Whitehouse (Newport West) said: “A bridge over the Medina is a fantastic idea. It’s being actively considered because it would boost the economy of the entire Medina Valley and at a stroke, slash the traffic jams at Coppins Bridge in Newport.

“There is more than one way to fund this project. The government wants to deliver regeneration and the leader has a vision for the regeneration of the whole Medina Valley.”