Highway chiefs have made a U-turn over planned work on the mountain road.

Originally, the Department of Infrastructure pencilled in this summer for it.

But most of the work has now been put back to a six-week period starting in March 2022.

This will include the reconstruction of the highway at Stella Maris in Ramsey and essential maintenance work.

The government says this new approach is designed to reduce the impact on the travelling public, and to support local businesses during the summer months.

The project cannot be started any later than March as the road surface and lining must have sufficient time to settle before TT 2022.

A six-week closure is necessary due to the risk of poor weather and fewer hours of daylight.

Some work will take place this summer to enable resurfacing by a specialist micro-asphalt contractor from the UK as part of a larger island-wide programme.

This material must be applied in warm weather and the work will require daily closures for up to a week between Ramsey and the Bungalow, typically between 9am and 4pm to cater for commuter traffic.

Access will be maintained to businesses and the Manx Electric Railway.

Patching will also be undertaken separately between Ramsey and Waterworks, which will be done under temporary traffic lights with a speed limit extension.

While these schemes take place, essential maintenance work will be tackled ahead of winter.

A project to improve the railway crossing at the Bungalow will also be able to begin before being completed during the road closure in spring 2022.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker MHK said: ’As highlighted previously, this work is necessary to allow next year’s TT to go ahead as well as for safe long-term use.

’Now the consultation period has concluded, the team have been able to finalise their plans and revise the original proposal to accommodate concerns.’

He added: ’It is essential that the department can informally consult on its plans and gauge concerns among stakeholders before the formal public consultation that takes place as part of the road closure application.

’In this instance, the process has taken into account a wide range of views and has led to this revised proposal which will better support both our economic recovery and the visitor sector.’