Work to replace Peel’s harbour road bridge has begun.

The anticipated completion date of mid-March next year - in about 20 weeks’ time..

While the bridge is constructed, a temporary bridge with traffic light controls will cross the River Neb, with access through Peel marina boatyard.

The temporary bridge will be commissioned next week when the current bridge will be closed to traffic and pedestrians.

The Department of Infrastructure says the work is essential as the current hardwood timber bridge, which was built in 1938, has reached the end of its life.

A rolling maintenance programme has been in place since the 1990s, but further deterioration means it must be replaced.

When finished, the bridge will be a single span structure with a concrete deck on steel beams and will carry two lanes of traffic, along with a footpath.

Highway improvements will be made to the approaches in both directions and the load carrying capacity will increase from 20 to 44 tonnes.

The final capital cost is set at £530,000.

In Douglas, regeneration work on one of the main retail streets in the capital will get under way next week.

The work follows on from the £1.4m scheme on Castle Street, which has seen new paving, lighting and street furniture installed.

King Street will also be shut from Duke Street to Water Lane throughout the project, but the Department of Infrastructure says access will be maintained to properties.