A MAIN Isle of Wight road, between Newport and Sandown, will get new safety upgrades thanks to a multi-million-pound injection of government cash.

Newport Road (A3056) between Blackwater and Lake will receive improvements following a successful Department of Transport’s Safer Roads Fund council bid.

With £2.1m provided to improve safety at high-risk areas of the road, here are the proposed upgrades:

  • A reduction in speed limits and the introduction of variable speed limits near schools.
  • Improved pedestrian facilities, including new footpaths and bus stop upgrades.
  • Speed reactive signage.
  • Improvements to road markings and signage.
  • Additional street lighting at key junctions.

Detailed designs will be drawn up, followed by a consultation period for some of the proposed changes.

Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: "This is a significant amount of money, which will be important in terms of improvements to the A3056 and particularly for road safety.

"We will continue to work closely with local communities and parish councils to deliver these safety measures as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Bob Seely, the Island's MP, said: “I have no doubt that this scheme, combined with the excellent work being done by the new IW Roads Policing Team, will make our roads safer.”