ROAD resurfacing schemes are set to intensify on the Island in the coming weeks.

Island Roads said schemes that could not be undertaken in the winter months are now being scheduled in all parts of the Island with a greater emphasis on residential roads, now many of the major routes have been upgraded.

More than 30 schemes are scheduled to take place between now and the end of June, including those in Newport, Ryde, Calbourne, Lake, Sandown, Brading, Havenstreet, Apse Heath, Ventnor, Binstead, Merstone, Freshwater and Shanklin.

The majority of schemes are being undertaken during daytime hours, but some specific schemes, particularly those with more challenging access/traffic requirements such as Trafalgar Road, which is a heavily used bus route, are being undertaken overnight to minimise disruption.

Residents affected will receive advanced notification by letter but are asked to check the yellow information boards on site, as work can be rescheduled as a result of external influences such as the weather.

Pedestrian footways will remain open at all times. Residents who require urgent vehicular access are asked to contact Island Roads in advance of the start date so arrangements can be planned accordingly.

Keith Gourlay, Island Roads construction manager said: "Our programme of resurfacing work starts each year in March and continues until around November time, depending on the weather.

"At this time of the year, work tends to intensify as we try to complete as many schemes as possible either side of the main summer holiday period.

"For residents this does mean that there are some periods of more significant disruption, but we recognise, as an Island reliant on the tourism trade, that we need to ensure visitors can get around the Island easily in the summer months.

"We hope the improvements will far outweigh any temporary disruption people may experience and thank residents in advance for their patience."

Two sections of Forest Road, which links Newport to the West Wight, are to be upgraded next month.

The works will be carried out in overnight shifts to reduce disruption.

The first section is between the Whitehouse Road and Betty Haunt Lane junction and a point 750m west, near Trumor Feeds. Work will be carried out over two nights from Monday, July 1.

Work to upgrade the section between Parkhurst Forest car park entrance and Poleclose Lane will start on Wednesday, July 3, and last for six nights.

Mr Gourlay said: “This is a very busy route and we hope to keep disruption to a minimum by carrying out the works overnight.

"Once these works are complete it will mean almost the entire route between Newport and Yarmouth will have been upgraded."

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