An £800,000 roadworks project in Foxdale is now scheduled to last eight months, starting on October 3 and reaching completion by TT 2017.
It was initially estimated that the scheme, which involves closing Foxdale’s main road, would last nine months from September.
The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) is currently waiting for planning approval for work at Mine’s Road junction and a proposed temporary relief road on the old railway line, which would allow traffic into the village from the St John’s direction.
A public meeting was recently held to discuss potential issues such as bus routes and access to schools.
Glenfaba MHK Geoffrey Boot said: ‘The meeting was well attended and there were good and constructive contributions from residents.
‘There was still some ongoing discussion with regard to the use of the old railway line as a relief road and residents were advised to make observations known to the planning department. The department reiterated that if there were an overwhelming amount of objections then the scheme would proceed without it.’
Mr Boot said that progress had been made in acquiring land at the Mines Road junction and planning had been submitted for an improved visibility splay.
He said: ‘Bus Vannin were in attendance and took away a list of residents’ concerns with regard to bus access to schools, work, doctors, etc.
‘It is intended there will be another meeting shortly before the works commence when hopefully Bus Vannin will be able to detail their schedules and residents will be appraised of the final scheme, programme and time scale.’
A Department of Infrastructure (DoI) spokesman said: ‘Once the proposed improvements to the junction have been completed, work on the main scheme will proceed on two fronts simultaneously: from the Mines Road junction heading south to Costain’s Yard, and from Dove Cottage working back to the Mines Road junction. This approach will help to reduce the overall duration of the road closure.
‘The 500-metre section of carriageway in Higher Foxdale has been identified by road condition surveys as having a poor ride quality, low residual life and poor drainage. The finished scheme will provide a road that is capable of meeting traffic requirements throughout its design life of 40 years. There have been two public meetings and we will continue to keep residents and businesses informed of progress.’
Work started yesterday (Monday) on the Ballabeg to Colby Road to improve the road surface, kerbs and drainage. That work is scheduled to be completed by Monday, September 5. The road is closed from Cronk y Thatcher in Colby to the B42 Ronague Road in Ballabeg between 9.15am and 5pm each day.