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Isle of Wight Council Highways PFI

Our Project

Bus at Alum BayIn 2008, the Isle of Wight council learned that it was one of only three areas nationally to qualify for funding under the first wave of Highways Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The Island's road network is the first, largely rural road network, with non-standard vehicle growth patterns, to use this delivery methodology. We, therefore, have considerable opportunity to explore solutions that are best suited to the Island's needs, rather than simply following what is being done elsewhere.

Island RoadThe Isle of Wight Council Highways PFI Project will encompass all aspects of the highway that occur between the fences - this includes the road surface, drainage, street lighting, kerbs, footways, grass verges, signs, bus shelters, etc. The contract is likely to last for 25 years, starting in 2013. It will include the entire Island's adopted road network, encompassing the management and maintenance of over 800kms of highway, over 12000 street lighting columns and a further 2000+ illuminated street furniture items.

Our roads have suffered from years of limited expenditure and maintenance and are no longer fit for purpose - a number of roads have weight and/or width restrictions - and a high percentage of our street lighting columns are over 30 years old and need replacement. Therefore, after historic underinvestment, the Island's entire road network is to benefit from investment worth around £1bn (after inflation) over the 25-year life of the scheme.

Car and family along the Military RoadThe Project is seen not only as a unique opportunity to revitalize the Island's transport infrastructure, but also to open up as many markets for local labour and suppliers as possible. Creating apprenticeship work placements is one possibility being explored by the council as it works to develop the scheme. We will also be working with the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support local businesses to reap their share of the rewards from such massive - indeed unprecedented - infrastructure investment.

Without this major investment in our roads the regeneration of the Island as a whole is in peril. The Project will not only change the face of the Island's road network, but be a major catalyst to the Island's redevelopment through the Eco Island themes of Thriving Island; Healthy and Supportive Island; Safe and Well-kept Island; Inspiring Island.