The new look Ryde Esplanade is 'open for business', the council has declared, as the multi-million pound interchange project nears completion.

Traffic can now head in both directions along the seafront, while buses can travel directly from the new station up George Street.

The refurbishment of the train station building, and reinstatement of the public toilets in the station, are ongoing.

The Isle of Wight Council said it hopes to have the works completed this summer.

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In the interim, the temporary toilets provided at the station will be retained until the new facilities are open.

The council is now calling on people to shop local, to support businesses disrupted by the works.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: "It gives me great pleasure to announce Ryde Esplanade is open for business! 

"We'd urge both residents and visitors to Ryde to support these local businesses which we know have been impacted by the improvement works. They play a vital role in their communities as a service and as employers.

"With everyone's support they can continue to thrive."

Following the removal of traffic management on the Esplanade, the westbound lane, between Dover Street and Union Street, is now reopen.

The Ryde Interchange Project is primarily funded by government grant from the Transforming Cities Fund.

Around £10 million of this has been awarded for the Ryde Interchange improvements of which the highway work is just one element.

A spokesman for Island Roads, which has been working on the highways element of the project, said: “The removal of the traffic management and opening of the George Street junction is an important milestone in the project.

"We’d like to thank the local community for their support and understanding during work to date."

The tramway pier has now been reinstated for pedestrian use and the highway element is nearing completion.