More chances to share your views on the Cowes Floating Bridge
Published: 30 July 2025
Island residents are being reminded of the remaining opportunities to make their views known about the future of the Cowes to East Cowes floating bridge.
Earlier this month, the council launched a consultation on three possible options for the future of the bridge and so far hundreds of people have taken part via an online survey and at two drop-in sessions held in Cowes and East Cowes.
The third and final drop-in session takes place at the Riverside Centre, Newport, tomorrow (Thursday, 31 July) between 3-7pm. All are welcome.
After this session, there are two further online opportunities to learn more about the process and have your say. Invites, are below:
- 7 August, 12-1.30pm — Join the meeting
- 12 August, 6-7.30pm — Join the meeting
If you have any problems accessing the meeting, email procurement@iow.gov.uk
The consultation follows an IW Council Cabinet decision in March 2024 to replace the current floating bridge and to develop a new River Medina Crossing Strategy. This includes an appraisal of all viable options and a full business case and financial assessment.
Working closely with specialist marine, legal and financial experts, a long list of options has been assessed resulting in the following options being taken forward for public consultation:
- New vessel option: Replace the existing floating bridge with a new floating bridge.
- Modify existing vessel and/or the operational environment option through a phased approach involving additional control chains and/or tidal flow reduction and/or adding flush thrusters to the existing vessel.
- Do minimum option: Maintain and operate the existing floating bridge with the continued use of the push boat.
There are cost, time, and service implications for each of these options and more information is included in the consultation documents
The consultation closes at midnight on 22 August 2025.
A paper copy is available by contacting procurement@iow.gov.uk. Add 'Floating bridge consultation' to the subject line so we can direct your email.