Change to Mountain Road closures

A six-week closure planned for the Mountain Road this summer has been put back to March 2022.

Transport bosses had proposed shutting the major route in August to carry out essential maintenance ahead of TT 2022.

However, in a statement issued today (Thursday) the government said it's revised the schedule after "consultation with stakeholders and feedback from the public".

A spokesman said: “The project cannot be started any later than March as the road surface and lining must have sufficient time to settle before TT 2022; and a six-week closure is necessary due to the risk of poor weather and fewer hours of daylight.

"Some work will take place this summer to enable resurfacing by a specialist micro-asphalt contractor from the UK as part of a larger Island-wide programme.

"This material must be applied in warm weather and the work will require daily closures for up to a week between Ramsey and the Bungalow, typically between 9am and 4pm to cater for commuter traffic. Access will be maintained to businesses and the Manx Electric Railway".

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker added: ‘As highlighted previously, this work is necessary to allow next year’s TT to go ahead as well as for safe long-term use. Now the consultation period has concluded, the team have been able to finalise their plans and revise the original proposal to accommodate concerns.’

He added: ‘It is essential that the Department can informally consult on its plans and gauge concerns among stakeholders before the formal public consultation that takes place as part of the road closure application. In this instance, the process has taken into account a wide range of views and has led to this revised proposal which will better support both our economic recovery and the visitor sector.’