MOTORISTS and pedestrians will have some changes to get used to, when the next stage of works to Ryde Interchange start today (Monday).

The scheme, which is to improve connectivity and public amenity space on Ryde seafront, enters a new phase.

Work on Ryde Interchange site will be extending to create both a new vehicular access to the pier and also a new shared use footway/cycleway alongside Western Gardens.

It will mean some temporary adjustments for traffic using St Thomas’ Street and for pedestrians accessing Western Gardens.

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Isle of Wight County Press: Artist's impression of the completed Ryde Transport Interchange. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.Artist's impression of the completed Ryde Transport Interchange. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.

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The works will not prevent the forthcoming summer events including the Ryde Carnival, the Tour of Britain and Isle of Wight Scooter rally from taking place.

From next week until September, the lower section of St Thomas’ Street between the car park and the Esplanade will be one-way.

Traffic can travel up St Thomas’ Street as normal but traffic coming down the hill can only go as far as (and including) the lower St Thomas’ Street car park.

Cars wanting to access Ryde Pier and the Esplanade will have to use Union Street.

There will also be a short, temporary, diversion in place for people wishing to access Western Garden from the east (pier, bus station, Hovertravel etc).

While work is ongoing, pedestrians will not be able to access the garden by walking along the current footway on the northern (seaside) section of the Esplanade.

Instead, they will have to cross the road at the existing pedestrian crossing outside The King Lud and then cross again at the foot of Union Street to get to Western Gardens, which is where the temporary toilets are located.

The gardens will still be accessible from the usual approaches to the west.

There will be a short overlap between the completion of the current work at the Rose Gardens and Ryde Superbowl and the start of the new phase at Western Gardens and these works will be completed later this month.