THE Isle of Wight Council says the next phase of St Mary's Roundabout works will help alleviate the congestion around B&Q.

County Press readers had spoken of how "ridiculous" the traffic situation had become in the area, with motorists having to wait up to an hour to exit B&Q car park.

Many en route to the Isle of Wight branch opted to return home rather than face lane-limbo.

One Island resident who phoned the police and Island Roads was told traffic congestion was not in their remit, though the latter said it would try to send people to help.

Today (Monday), the council has announced the next phase of work at St Mary's junction will help reduce congestion on Forest Road and the exit from the B&Q roundabout onto Medina Way.

The changes, which come into effect from today, include the following:

  • Hunnyhill to reopen to northbound traffic
  • Hunnyhill will be reopened to northbound traffic to once again allow vehicles to access Medina Way toward Cowes and Forest Road.

Vehicles using this route will not be able to access Dodnor Lane or turn southbound onto Medina.

  • Forest Road both lanes open eastbound.
  • Both lanes will be open for traffic travelling eastbound (towards Newport) onto Medina Way to reduce traffic queues.
  • Medina Way southbound, left-hand lane for Dodnor and Riverway turn off only.
  • Both lanes of the dual carriageway southbound towards Newport will be reopened, but with the left-hand lane for traffic turning onto Dodnor Lane and Riverway only.