Former railway bridges are being reinstalled as part of a £1.3m scheme on a heritage footpath.

It’s taking place on the former steam railway line between St John’s and Kirk Michael.

The surface of the heritage footpath is also being upgraded.

One of the most exciting parts of the work includes reinstalling the former railway bridges at Glen Wyllin, Glen Mooar and over the Peel-St John’s road, near Ballaleece.

All of the bridges were removed after the closure of the lines in 1968.

It is believed they were all removed in or around 1975.

The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) is moving ahead with the plans after the success of improvements to the Douglas to Peel railway line for the use of walkers and cyclists.

This latest project continues to support the Active Travel Strategy and to improve recreational opportunities for walkers, cyclists, families, the disabled and horse riders.

A DoI spokesman said: ’The route will be resurfaced using recycled quarry material and stone, creating a path 2.5m to 3m in width, like that which has been well received by those using the Heritage Trail between Peel and Douglas.

’While some parts of the trail between St John’s and Kirk Michael are now virtually impassable during the winter, the improved surface will make the trail available all year round, free from mud and pools of water.

’The proposed project will also preserve the route as a fantastic wildlife corridor, making it accessible to many more people.’

There had been speculation online that the DoI would be laying tarmac along the route, but the department has told the Examiner this is not the case.

Construction on the £1.3m scheme is due to start later this year.

The DoI has also been working on the Heritage Trail as it crosses the Curragh Road in St Johns.

To aid users of the trail cross the road, the DoI has installed a Celtic motif at the intersection of the Heritage trail and the Curragh Road.

A statement from the DoI said: ’This informal crossing has been designed to highlight the increased probability and volume of active travel users crossing the road at this point.

’All users of the Curragh Road retain the right of way but should be aware and considerate of elderly, young and/or disabled users of the trail who may not be as confident crossing the road, please be respectful others users of the road or trail.

’There are notices to inform the users of the Heritage way that they must give way to traffic along Curragh Road.’

The department said it considered a number of different ways to aid users with crossing the road.

However it couldn’t install a zebra crossing because of the 40mph speed limit on the road. A Puffin crossing was also not possible as it would have required a three way system due to the proximity of the Western Amenity Site junction.

l What do you think of the plans to reinstate the bridges or the Celtic road crossing? Let us know by emailing [email protected] or writing to us at Isle of Man Newspapers, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 4ED.