Roadworks on the outskirts of Ballasalla will continue almost to Christmas.

The project involving the reconstruction of a 550m stretch of the St Mark’s Road between the Abbotswood estate and the bottom of Black Hill began two weeks ago.

It is scheduled to be completed by December 22.

The highways division said a road survey had highlighted a poor ride quality, low residual life and poor drainage on this section of road.

Reconstruction will involve relaying the sub-base and new highway drainage to alleviate drainage problems.

The finished scheme aims to provide a road with a design life of 40 years and which is capable of meeting traffic requirements throughout its proposed life span.

Work has required a full road closure of the A26 Crossag Road between Mill Road and Orrisdale Road due to the width of the road.

Phildraw Road is also closed, between Crossag Road and Silverdale Road.

The closure will be managed in sections to maintain access for residents and businesses.

Meanwhile, the Old Castletown Road below Blackboards remains closed while work continues on replacing the old Mullen-E-Quinney bridge.

A new steel and concrete bridge deck is being installed which will be wider to cater for two lanes of traffic and a pedestrian footpath.

Paul Carey & Sons Ltd has been awarded the contract and began on site on July 24, with the project scheduled to take 15 weeks to complete.