Andrew has provided the following update on the ongoing works on the M180.
Andrew reports on Facebook: "Following complaints from Isle residents, I raised the issue of the ongoing works on the M180 in our area, especially the closure of the slip road on Junction 2. The agency responsible for these works, National Highways, have responded to me to say that due to safety issues and following consultations with the Police, they are not able to open the slip road any earlier than planned; that being the end of February.
"I have gone back to them again to explain that this is causing considerable disruption and that I would like them to look again at whether they may be able to be brought forwards, even if only slightly. I have asked them to keep me updated too.
"Obviously, I am in no position to argue with their safety requirements but I will continue to advocate on behalf of Isle residents."
Copy of the National Highways letter below:
Dear Andrew Percy
M180 Roadworks (Junctions 1-3)
Thank you for your email dated 11 January 2022 on behalf of your constituents regarding the ongoing carriageway works between junctions 1 and 3 of the M180.
I am sorry to hear that our roadworks are causing disruption to your constituents’ journeys and apologise for the inconvenience they have caused.
During these works, we are strengthening the concrete road foundation under all of lane
one, along with areas of lane two and the hard shoulder. During these repairs the surface layer in lane one and three will be replaced with a new quieter surfacing. This work is a priority for us, as this section of road has had issues with water getting into the road surface causing deterioration.
We’ve had to carry out several emergency road repairs here in the past to keep the carriageway open. This work will strengthen the carriageway reducing the need for unplanned closures and will mean safer and smoother journeys for all road users.
The closure of the slip road at junction 2 started in September last year and is needed 24 hours a day to ensure both the safety of our workforce and road users. After extensive consultation with the Police and local authorities, we decided to use contraflow traffic management. We are currently aiming to remove the contraflow in late February 2022, which will in turn allow junction 2 to reopen, and the full scheme will be completed by the end of March 2022.
We believe that doing this is the safest, quickest, and most cost-effective way of delivering this work, while keeping traffic moving. As the works area crosses the slip road at junction 2 we are unable to keep it open and carry out the work safely.
I understand road closures are frustrating and can assure you we would not carry them out unless they were essential. We have communicated the detail of these works with road users, residents and other stakeholders via mail, email, signage and updates on both our website and social media channels to attempt to raise awareness and information with regards to the work, with the hope of minimising disruption and inconvenience.
