By Isle of Wight Observer
Island Roads’ work on the Ryde Transport Interchange has received national recognition, winning the Creating Better Places Award at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Awards.
The award was presented during a ceremony at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, on Wednesday, June 4, and recognises projects that improve the quality of spaces for both people and the environment. Island Roads fought off competition from national firms and public bodies to win the category.
The Ryde Transport Interchange scheme, delivered for the IW Council, aimed to improve travel connectivity, while also upgrading public space for residents and visitors. The wider project included station upgrades and the new pedestrian pier, with the highways element delivered by Island Roads.
Funding came primarily from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, following a joint bid by the IW Council, Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council, under the South-east Hampshire Rapid Transport partnership.
Steve Ashman, Island Roads’ service director, said: “We are delighted that our contribution has been recognised; this is independent evidence that we achieved the project’s aims of improving connectivity and creating better public spaces.”
The project was praised for drawing on expertise across Island Roads and delivering a scheme that could compete with larger national organisations.
The Leeson Road Emergency Response Plan, developed by Island Roads in partnership with the IW Council, was also commended at the awards.
Michelle Love, IW Council service director for highways, said the project had helped create a more accessible gateway to the Island.
Mal Butler