By Chris Cornford
Island Roads will be replacing key components to Yarmouth Bridge in March, leading to its closure for up to five days.
It is anticipated pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work while larger boats (who would usually require an opening) will need to navigate the River Yar outside of work times.
During closures – between 8.15am and 3.30pm – the usual vehicular diversion will be in place. The bridge will be opened again to traffic at the end of each shift. The closure times have been agreed with Southern Vectis to accommodate school buses.
Island Roads structural engineer, Victoria Keefe, said: “We are currently discussing the exact timings of the work with our contractors and we will be giving the community further information as and when it is agreed.
“However, we want to give motorists as much advance warning as possible in order to allow them to plan any necessary journeys.
“Though we are advertising the closure of the bridge for five days; we will endeavour to complete what we need to do in a shorter timespan if at all possible.”
As well as the annual service and routine maintenance– between March 15-19 – the 14 ‘landing pads’ on which the moving section sits will be replaced.
Isle of Wight Observer