Floating Bridge to Halt Service This Thursday for Crucial Upgrades
The floating bridge will be out of action this Thursday, 19 April, as essential maintenance gets underway. The work aims to upgrade electrical and navigation systems while cutting down noise with new dampening materials added to the bridge’s prow.
Foot Passenger Launch to Keep Commuters Moving
While the bridge is offline, a foot passenger launch will operate to ensure residents aren’t left stranded. Councillor Stewart, Cabinet leader, said:
“This planned work is part of our continuing aim to deliver a reliable service during this extended trial period.”
Tackling River Silt and Tech Upgrades
This maintenance also offers the chance to address river silt build-up that recently caused the bridge to run aground near East Cowes slipway. Over the past year, regular silt clearance has kept the route clear. Councillor Stewart added:
“I am clear that its removal will be a routine operation going forward.”
The planned improvements include:
- Installing reset switches for touchscreens and hydraulic control panels to boost system reliability
- Fitting a replacement navigation strobe light
- Adjusting the northwest CCTV camera angle for better coverage
- Adding Trellex damper material to the prow to further reduce noise
Noise Checks to Follow Improvements
After the upgrades, an independent noise consultant will join Environmental Health officials to measure noise levels on site, responding to council concerns about sound from the prow ramps. The goal: a quieter, smoother ferry ride for everyone.
