30mph limit & traffic lights on Richmond Hill from this week

A 30mph speed limit and temporary traffic lights will be in place on Richmond Hill again from later this week.

The restrictions will come into force on the stretch from Thursday (May 20) as a project gets underway to improve drainage and reduce the risk of standing water and ice on the busy highway.

The lights and speed restrictions will be in place 24/7 throughout the works which are currently expected to be completed by Saturday, July 24.

Officials say the works are being carried out now to make sure the drainage issues don't continue next winter, adding climate change means rainfall and flash floods locally have increased.

Infrastructure Minister, Tim Baker MHK, says: "The safety of motorists and their passengers is always central to every project undertaken on our road network, and your patience is appreciated while this critical scheme takes place before the colder weather returns.

"Diversion routes have been improved as part of the Department’s strategic planning in preparing for this and future works on the A5. In addition, the permanent traffic lights at Anagh Coar have now been reinstalled, which will allow a better flow of traffic between Douglas and the south than in recent weeks."

A diversion route will be in place on the St Mark's Road.

Government says this project has to be completed before work to replace the surface dressing of the road can take place - it's currently expected this will start in Summer 2022.