Lezayre Road, the main route in to Ramsey from the west, is now closed to allow for major roadworks.

The closure to through traffic from the Bircham Avenue junction began at 6am on Sunday, June 10, and will run until the evening of Saturday, August 4.

Drivers heading into Ramsey on the TT course will therefore be diverted at Sulby Bridge.

And drivers heading west will travel out of Parliament Square on the A13 Jurby Road and onto Sulby Bridge.

Despite the road closure, the chairmen of Ramsey Town Commissioners and Ramsey Chamber of Commerce remain upbeat.

Chair of the commissioners Andy Cowie said: ’Whilst we understand the significant inconvenience this will cause to the town, we do appreciate the importance of keeping an arterial road into Ramsey in good condition.

’We have also spent the last 12 months working with the Department of Infrastructure and various stakeholders to try to minimise the impact of these works.

’This joint approach has resulted in a much shorter programme which has been timed to minimise the impact on residents, schools and established sporting events.

’Ramsey remains thriving and all our busy independent retail shops will continue to welcome and help their customers.

’The extensive range of retail, cafés, licensed premises and restaurants offer some of the finest products and services available on the island.’

Luke Parker, chairman of Ramsey Chamber of Commerce, explained the scheme had been planned to take two years, but following discussions with businesses and the government, a compromise had been reached.

The compromise being the total closure of the road but for a far shorter period.

The works being undertaken on the road include one kilometre (0.6 mile) of resurfacing and the addition of a cycle lane at a cost of £475,000.

The road, as well as being the main route into Ramsey from the west, runs past Ramsey Grammar School.

Vehicular access to the school is possible from the west, not from the town itself.

As a result, the school buses will not pick up and drop off at the school, rather pupils will have to walk and from Shoprite car park.

Residents who live on or off Lezayre Road will also have to access their properties on foot.

The plans for the road have also changed significantly since last year, when a new water main was included for the full length of the work.

However, the DoI has announced that following discussions with Manx Utilities, MHKs and Ramsey Commissioners, a new route away from the main road has been selected for the water main.

This move allowed the shortening of the time frame of the work.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said: ’I am pleased that the department has been given the opportunity to bring further improvements to the town.

’The new scheme has been carefully planned with the local schools, residents and businesses to ensure that the smooth running of the town continues throughout the construction period.’

To ensure the roadworks are carried out on time, the road surface will be removed during the day.

During the evening, the new surface will be laid, taking advantage of the longer summer days.

Mr Cowie added: ’The town also hosts a range of events over the summer months including Ramsey National Week, our popular town carnival and the Island at War event. Free parking and effective public transport links remain available to all visitors.’