Beach Road at Gansey will be closed to through traffic for almost a month while Manx Utilities carries out improvements to a combined sewer overflow.

Work is due to begin on November 2 and forms part of the utility provider’s long-term programme to upgrade overflow infrastructure across the island.

The first phase will require a full road closure near Gansey Pottery from November 2 to November 30, 2026, due to the depth of the excavation, the location of the existing chamber and associated safety requirements.

The existing combined sewer overflow is located near the junction of Beach Road and the coastal footpath at Gansey.

Under normal conditions, wastewater flows through the sewer network to Gansey Pump Station before being transferred to Meary Veg Wastewater Treatment Works.

However, during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall, flows can exceed the sewer network’s capacity.

The improvement project will involve enlarging the existing chamber to accommodate a new screening system and telemetry equipment.

The screening system is designed to reduce the amount of solids and sewage rag discharged during overflow events, while the telemetry equipment will provide more detailed information about how often the overflow operates and how long discharges last.

Tim Woakes, executive director for wastewater at Manx Utilities, said: ‘These improvements will help us better understand how the drainage network performs during storm events while reducing the environmental impact of overflow discharges.

‘The project forms part of our ongoing strategy to improve Combined Sewer Overflows across the island and ensure they meet modern operational and monitoring standards.’

Once Beach Road reopens, work will continue within the site compound under traffic management arrangements.

The project is expected to be completed in February 2027, with pedestrian access maintained throughout the works.