The end date of the work to repair and resurface the main road into East Cowes has been pushed back, as half term looms.

Island Roads says overnight resurfacing will now be carried out between June 17-24, instead of from June 2.

Phases three and four of the scheme are underway simultaneously and the work has been causing congestion in the town.

On Friday, in bad weather, it combined with delays on the ferries to bring gridlock.

Phase three has seen York Avenue dug up, between Adelaide Grove and just beyond Connaught Road.

Isle of Wight County Press:

East Cowes on Friday.

The major route takes traffic for the Floating Bridge, Red Funnel's vehicle ferries, big employer GKN, English Heritage's Osborne, Waitrose and more.

Phase four will take in a stretch between Well Road and Adelaide Grove.

When that is complete, resurfacing will start.

The project started on March 1, shortly before schools returned after lockdown.

Local shopkeepers, reopening under the Covid-19 roadmap, say they are losing business.

As the Covid-19 lockdown eases, half term is likely to bring fuller ferries, from the end of the next week.

Meanwhile, Island Roads says it has made some 'minor adjustments' to the diversion route, which sees artic lorries, HGVs and buses making tight turns on residential roads, and multi-way lights at the junction of Clarence Road and York Avenue. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

Above, work is underway on York Avenue and below, the town on Thursday.

Island Roads says it has added extra signs, adjusted the position sequencing of the traffic lights and reopened a pedestrian crossing, after residents warned that schoolchildren were dodging traffic.  

In a letter to residents, it said: "New traffic arrangements can take time to bed down and with the changes we have made we are confident that flows will be smoother from now on.

"Naturally, we will continue to monitor the situation and make further adjustments if it is necessary and possible."

To offset the problems caused by Friday's ferry delays, Island Roads says it worked with Red Funnel to divert traffic via Old Road.

People living on Yarborough Road, which is on the main diversion route, have called for a temporary speed limit to be put in place.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Yarborough Road, where parking is now suspended.

Island Roads said: "While safety is clearly of paramount importance, the effectiveness of speed limits does depend on police enforcement and it is unlikely that such police resources will be available.

"We will of course monitor speeds along the diversion route and take any action to ensure the diversion route is safe.

"We will continue to keep you updated of progress. In the meantime, thank you once again for your understanding, patience and co-operation."