The new bridge at Old Laxey is taking shape.
Work on the replacement bridge is progressing well - and the two sides of the village are reunited for the first time since last December’s devastating flash floods.
The steelwork were delivered to Laxey Harbour last Thursday morning. All the beams have now been craned into position and fixed in place over the weekend.
Installation of ducting for utilities is the next phase.
This week will see the delivery and installation of the permanent deck formwork, followed by reinforcement and casting of the concrete deck slab.
A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said: ‘Work is progressing on schedule and it is intended to have the bridge open by TT week on a temporary surface.’
The bridge will close again after TT to allow completion of the bridge structure, surface finishes and installation of services.
The old bridge was irreparably damaged in December when flash flooding caused part of the structure to collapse – plunging a double decker bus into the river below.
Demolition contractors JCK were mobilised for the delicate operation of removing the Bus Vannin double decker and demolishing the remainder of the bridge. A temporary pedestrian footbridge was erected while plans were drawn up for a permanent replacement.
The DoI sought the views of villagers, local politicians and heritage bodies over four possible options for the replacement bridge.
While many people wanted the option of a new arched bridge, the department’s engineers opted for a flat bridge which will reduce the likelihood of any future flood damage by allowing the river to flow unimpeded out to sea.
This prompted some villagers to accuse the consultation exercise of being a sham but the department insisted it was a genuine exercise.
The design has features at each end taking inspiration from the ‘pepper pot’ lighthouses at the harbour. It will handle almost three times the volume of water of the original bridge.