A NEW cycle route through Newport, which will link the Cowes to Newport and Newport to Sandown cycle tracks, has been partially opened.
A section of the track between Shide Road and Matalan car park has been opened on the route, which forms part of National Cycle Route 23, linking Reading on the mainland with Sandown. It is already being used by cyclists.
Final works to be completed include laying down white lines and green-coloured surfacing in East Street, Sea Street and around Coppins Bridge to mark the cycle lane.
The work will take place once the current cold snap is over as they are dependent on the weather being favourable.
Once the lines have been installed and the surfacing laid, appropriate signs will be put up and the new pedestrian/cycle crossing in the town’s High Street will be activated.
Other works already completed include the widening and resurfacing of the path between Little London and Riverway, which has improved the route for both pedestrians and cyclists.
The scheme is being paid for through a £100,000 grant from transport charity group, Sustrans, and match funded by cash secured by the Isle of Wight Council through developer contributions.
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk