A programme of roadworks started across the island this week.

The works are a mixture of surface dressing - tar and chip - and micro asphalt surfacing and are being carried out by Colas (IoM) Ltd.

Surface dressing is being carried out on the following roads: New Castletown Road (Ballakinnish to Speke Lodge), Ramsey Road (Laxey to Dhoon Farm), Douglas Road, Ballasalla (Whitestone to Ballabridson), Archallagan Road (Slieau Whallian Park to Lhoobs Road).

Micro asphalt surfacingwill take place on the following roads: Lezayre Road from Pinfold Cottage to Glen Auldyn and from Ginger Hall to Bernahara); Glen Helen; Albert Road and Brookfield Avenue in Ramsey, Glen Road in Laxey; Baldrine Hill; Bellevue Park, Peel; Ballakneale estate, Port Erin; Friary Park, in Ballabeg; and Belmont Hill, Ballanard Road (Abbeylands to Castleward Green), Pinehurst Avenue/Close, Ballakermeen Drive and Ashbourne Grove, all in Douglas.

A DoI spokesman said tar and chip is one of the most cost-effective forms of road maintenance, used to improve the texture, improve skid resistance and seal cracks.

Micro asphalt offers the same benefits as surface dressing but, as it can be applied in varying thicknesses, is used to improve ride quality by levelling ruts and depressions in the existing surface.