Plans to replace Pulrose bridge in Douglas are in the early stages of development according to the Department of Infrastructure.

The future of the bridge was highlighted by Isle of Man Enterprises in its submission to planners over the proposed KFC and Starbucks drive throughs on Peel Road.

Tynwald members voted in favour of committing £1.605m in the Budget to replace the bridge during the 2019/20 financial year as part of the capital programme.

A further £200,000 had already been approved.

It is understood that highways chiefs will be meeting this week to discuss options.

In its submission to planners, Isle of Man Enterprises said it was necessary to be aware of the redevelopment of the bridge when planners were considering traffic flow on Peel Road as part of the drive-through restaurants’ application.

The company, which has warehouse on Pulrose Road and often uses the bridge, also noted that it had been ’advised’ that work on the replacement bridge could take up to 18 months.

However, a DoI spokesman has suggested that the replacement of the bridge could be some time off.

He said: ’The government is considering the future of Pulrose bridge, but a programme for delivering the project has not yet been established.’

In December a Manx Utilities statement on work to reduce flood risk in the area said: ’Manx Utilities has also been working closely with the Department of Infrastructure in the design phase of the new Pulrose bridge.

’This work will help inform the design to ensure flood risk considerations are taken into account.’

The current bridge was constructed in 1931 after the previous one had been destroyed in a flood.

During a Tynwald debate on the matter on February 20, 1931, then Michael MHK John Crellin spoke as he attempted to win support for up to £4,000 be loaned for the ’purpose of constructing a new bridge over the Douglas river at Pulrose’.

The motion also sought approval to restructure the road from Peel Road to the entrance of the Pulrose estate.

Mr Crellin said: ’The object is to replace the bridge leading to Pulrose from the Peel Road, and also to raise the approaches of the bridge in order to ensure access to Pulrose and the Douglas Corporation’s electricity station and municipal golf course.

’As the court knows, people have recently had to be carried backwards and forwards across the river in lorries and any other vehicles that could be commandeered.’