Roadworks in Foxdale will not be completed before the TT because of a delay to starting the scheme, Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer has confirmed.

The massive scheme was originally due to start after the Festival of Motorcycling at the beginning of September last year and be completed inside nine months. But it did not begin on time.

Mr Harmer said: ’The start date was delayed by seven weeks to accommodate important changes to the layout of the Mines Road junction.

’This late acquisition of land and the requirement to obtain planning permission for the junction improvements meant that work did not start until October 24.’

He added: ’The intention has always been to carry out as much work as possible ahead of the 2017 TT Festival.

’However, additional unplanned work and wet weather has hampered efforts to recover seven weeks lost at the start of the scheme.

’Our investment will help to regenerate the area, enhance the drainage, upgrade the utilities infrastructure and provide a highway that is capable of meeting traffic requirements through its design life of 40 years.’

Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey) asked Mr Harmer if he was confident the DoI had the workforce and machinery necessary ’to undertake a major road development scheme such as Foxdale and future proposed schemes in Ramsey and Douglas Promenade, while still carrying out routine work around the Island’.

Mr Harmer said he was, but added major capital schemes, including the promenade would be contracted out.