
Chaos is continuing again for drivers in East Cowes with gridlock traffic this morning (Friday).
Red Funnel ferry cancellations, a lack of signage, buses being diverted and people shouting at each other.
The situation is getting worse - as the only way to exit the town - via Old Road - is blocked.
A Southern Water leak meant Clarence Road had to be shut yesterday (Thursday), as first reported by Isle of Wight Radio.
Isle of Wight Radio's been told Southern Water are not on site this morning and left at 3.30pm yesterday.
Vans passing each other using the pavement.
Road works have been going on since March in the town, in a bid to improve York Avenue.
Residents have said their houses have been shaking with the volume of vehicles using residential roads.
Local businesses have told Isle of Wight Radio they have been massively impacted by the works and have described them as a 'shambles'.
There are reports that other businesses in the town will also close today as there is "no point opening".
Jayne Read from East Cowes Emporium said:
'Not to mention since this work began in March our shops actually in the town have been massively impacted it's a total disgrace island roads and council should be offering compensation for the amount of money we have lost and the massive inconvenience to all in the town.'
Resurfacing work is currently scheduled for the next five nights but could be delayed if it rains.
There is currently a Weather Warning in place for the Isle of Wight until tomorrow (Saturday).
A water leak on Clarence Road
Local Councillor Karl Love is asking people to avoid coming to the town, he told Isle of Wight Radio:
"I am asking people not to come into East Cowes, the traffic is hideous. Red Funnel traffic is piling up past Old Road, you can't escape Old Road and there doesn't appear to be anyone working on the Southern Water repair."
Red Funnel crossings suspended. East Cowes gridlocked. Traffic @ a standstill. Route 4 buses between Ryde & East Cowes suspended until the situation improves.
— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) June 18, 2021
Passengers are advised to catch & transfer between Route 5 & 9 buses until further notice
A spokesperson for Red Funnel said:
"Due to a technical issue, it has been necessary to remove one of our ferries, Red Eagle, from service in order to facilitate repairs.
"We are therefore expecting significant disruption to our timetable, and apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Photo thanks to Kathy;'s Gift and Card Shop
Red Funnel crossings suspended. East Cowes gridlocked. Traffic @ a standstill. We are endeavouring to put additional buses on to Newport departures on a 'best endeavours' basis
— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) June 18, 2021
Please note: Due to a technical issue, it has been necessary to remove one of our ferries, Red Eagle, from service in order to facilitate repairs. We are therefore expecting significant disruption to our timetable and apologise for any inconvenience caused. For estimated dep…
— RF Service News (@RF_Travel_News) June 18, 2021
Southern Water and Island Roads have been approached for a comment.