News Update: FLOATING BRIDGE REPAIRS CONTINUE

Work is underway to repair the Cowes Floating Bridge following the failure of one of its drive shafts after 34 years of service.

Difficulties in removing the original part have led to delays in the repair schedule meaning the service is unlikely to resume until later in the week.

Peter Hayward, Head of Highways and Transport said:

“Due to the age and position of the broken drive shaft, our engineers are having difficulty removing it without causing damage to other parts. We hope to resolve the problem soon and have the service up and running later this week. We apologise for any disruption this may cause.”

A pedestrian launch will continue during this time and vehicles will be diverted via Newport.

The Cowes Floating Bridge was  taken out of service on Thursday (14th January) for essential maintenance.

A drive shaft has failed and needs replacing.  As this part cannot be sourced immediately, it will be manufactured locally meaning the service will remain out of action over the weekend while the part is produced and fitted.

A pedestrian launch will be put into operation and vehicles will be diverted via Newport.

Peter Hayward, Isle of Wight Council Head of Highways and Transport said:

“Unfortunately the drive shaft failed after 34 years of service, we are working with a local engineering company to get the part manufactured as soon as possible so that a full service can resume.”

The service is expected to return to normal on Monday although every effort will be made to bring the floating bridge back into service sooner.
 
Please see www.iwight.com and local media for updates.