Isle of Wight Drivers Brace for Weeks of Traffic Chaos on Key Newport Routes
Isle of Wight motorists face weeks of gridlock as temporary traffic lights hit two of Newport’s busiest roads. Southern Gas Networks (SGN) will be working on Staplers Road and maintenance is underway on Fairlee Road, just as schools return from the Easter break.
Traffic Jams Set to Hit Just as Schools Reopen
Staplers Road and Fairlee Road will suffer severe delays for up to five weeks. Yellow warning signs are already out on Staplers Road, urging drivers to expect hold-ups. Many are expected to avoid the chaos by diverting through the Pan Estate, despite the speed humps there.
Bus Routes Disrupted – Plan Ahead!
Southern Vectis bus routes 5, 8, and 9 will also be affected by the roadworks. The bus company advises passengers to allow extra time for their journeys and any onward connections.
Major Gas Works Behind the Gridlock
SGN is replacing 115 metres of old steel pipes with new safety-compliant ones and renewing 14 gas connections nearby. The work involves two-way and three-way temporary traffic lights near the top of Staplers Road, close to junctions with Furrlongs and Mayfield Drive.
Drivers Furious as Work Hits Two Main Routes Simultaneously
Commuters are fuming, questioning why major works are being carried out on two crucial eastern routes into Newport at the same time. “Why couldn’t this have been done overnight?” asked one frustrated driver.
One Isle of Wight councillor warned: “The works are going to be rather chaotic for motorists, but they are necessary.”
Island Roads has been contacted for comment. The roadworks are scheduled to finish by 21st May – but don’t expect easy driving until then.
