Briddlesford Road is closed today for several weeks, as major gas works get underway.
Gas network company SGN is investing £1.1 million by replacing existing metal gas mains and services with modern plastic pipe, to ensure the Wootton Bridge community continues to receive a continued 'safe and reliable gas supply.'
This essential work forms part of an ongoing mains replacement programme developed with the Health and Safety Executive.
Following discussions with Isle of Wight Council, the project will start today (Monday) and last approximately seven weeks.
SGN said:
"For everyone’s safety around our work area, we’ll need to temporarily close Briddlesford Road between its junctions with Blacklands Lane and Briddlesford Lodge Farm for the duration of our work.
"Access for cyclists and pedestrians will be maintained and a signed diversion will be in place for motorists."
Briddlesford Lodge Farm Shop and Bluebells Cafe will remain open, with access from the north of Briddlesford Road (Wootton end). The Dores Hill Farm Emporium will remain open, with access from the south of Briddlesford Road (Lynbottom end). Blacklands Lane will also remain open.
SGN Construction Manager Christopher Holford said:
“We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential project.
“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means once the work has been completed, Wootton Bridge homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come."