Manx Utilities is replacing a 4km water main at a cost of £1.71 million.

The main transfers water from Ronague Service Reservoir above Earystane into Ballakillowey, Surby and Port Erin (west) and has been failing more and more recently, affecting more than 200 customers.

The project is due to be completed by the end of October.

The new water trunk main will be plastic pipe (High Performance Polyethylene, HPPE) and will connect to local distribution mains and service pipes.

Contractors will undertake excavation across several public roads:

· Ronague Road

· Ballagawne Road

· Earystane Road

· Ballakilpheric Road

· Ballakillowey Road

Steel trench sheets will be used to cover open trench excavation to allow the passage of cars and small vehicles over any excavated trench.

Manx Utilities might use traffic lights to reduce road closures and disruption to road users.