Work on replacing the road bridge over the river in Pulrose begins today, Tuesday.

The scheme, which will be completed in time for TT 2022, will replace the existing structure, improve the highway and reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

The initial works will begin, which will include:

l A temporary entrance into the Bowl car park which will allow access to the car park and the outside facilities of the National Sports Centre from Peel Road throughout the project.

l A temporary entrance to access the Riverside Trading Estate next to the Advanced Engineering Training Centre in Hills Meadow.

Road closure

Pulrose Road between Peel Road and Groves Road (that is the area of the bridge) will close to through traffic at 6.30am tomorrow (Wednesday, April 7).

Access to all areas in Pulrose will be from Groves Road (this includes Riverside Trading Estate and the Bowl Car) whilst temporary access points are built for both these sites.

Bus service

Bus Vannin has planned amendments to its routes to ensure that its services continue to meet the needs of people living in Pulrose. The amended services will be published on https://www.iombusandrail.im/ when they come into effect.

QB roundabout

There will be an increase in traffic through Quarterbridge roundabout and Peel Road, to and from destinations in the south of the island.

This will be alleviated by temporary arrangements near McDonald’s, where traffic in the east-bound lane will be prohibited from turning right, across the westbound lane and all vehicles leaving McDonald’s will be directed west towards Quarterbridge roundabout.

Traffic lights on Peel Road and New Castletown Road will be optimised to take the new arrangements into account.

Diversion signage will be in place as far out as the junction with Kewaigue and Cooil Road to remind travellers from the south heading into lower Douglas that there is the option to come into Douglas via Kewaigue and the Old Castletown Road.

The Quarterbridge Road carriageway and footpath refurbishment scheme is almost complete.

Quarterbridge Road is currently one way north. This orientation was decided upon in order to minimise the impact on traffic flow at the Quarterbridge roundabouts.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker MHK said: ’I am pleased that the scheme to replace the river bridge at Pulrose has progressed to the construction phase as it will safeguard critical elements of our island’s infrastructure including Douglas power station.

’Given the critical nature of the scheme I want work to progress without further delay.

’This is a complex project and a lot of hard work has gone into its design and planning. It has been a collaborative process involving the department, Manx Utilities, Manx Gas, the telecoms companies and Douglas Borough Council.

’I know the team has worked very hard to ensure that the impact on residents and businesses in the area, and the travelling public, is kept to a minimum.’

Paul Carey & Sons Ltd has been appointed principal contractors for the scheme following a competitive tender process.