BUSY roads in Ryde and Sandown are going to be closed for many weeks, while improvement works take place.

Fitzroy Street, Sandown, is due to be closed for ten weeks, while Park Road and Star Street, Ryde, will be closed for eight weeks.

The projects will see elements of the carriageway reconstructed as well as resurfaced.

The reconstruction work is designed to address the problems of weak foundations, which have historically caused deterioration of the road surfaces, Island Roads said.

Undertaking reconstruction work means projects take longer to complete and require total road closures, because of the depths of excavation.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the works, which have been scheduled for a period outside of the main summer season but at a time when favourable weather conditions can reasonably be expected.

There will be no work at weekends, but the road will remain closed apart from the bank holiday weekends.

Keith Gourlay, Island Roads construction manager, said: “Residents will be well aware that these roads are in need of an upgrade. However, it is impossible to undertake projects of this scale and nature without some localised disruption and we hope that residents feel the short-term inconvenience will be outweighed by the long-term benefits of this upgrade.

“We would like to thank them in advance for their understanding and co-operation.”

Fitzroy Street, between Melville Street and Station Avenue, will be excavated and reconstructed from Monday, April 8 for approximately 25 day shifts (Monday to Friday) and the resurfacing work will take place during two day shifts from May 17.

At Park Road and Star Street, Ryde, the reconstruction work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 19, for approximately 13 day shifts (Monday to Friday), followed by resurfacing works from Monday, April 8 for four days.