Roadworks to reduce flood risk will last months

Google A river is on the left side of the picture, with a single lane carriageway running parallel to it. On the right of the picture there is a white rendered building, that appears to be an Italian restaurant with a green, white and red sign on the wall Google
The rolling closure of Glen Road in Laxey will be in place until 30 September

Motorists have been warned to expect disruption for nine months in the east of the Isle of Man due to works to reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

A rolling closure is set to be introduced on Glen Road in Laxey, from Minorca Hill to its junction with Church Hill to improve drainage.

While the project was due to begin on Monday, the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) said a new start date would "be announced in due course", although no reason was given for the delay.

The scheme is part of a risk mitigation programme following a flood in 2019 which saw more than 60 houses damaged when the nearby river burst its banks.

Garff Commissioners said the closures when introduced would only apply to short sections of the road at any one time "to reduce inconvenience to residents".

IOM Police Water gushing out of the River Laxey onto the road through a hole in a stone wall. Men in red and orange hi-vis coats and vests point and an orange digger on its side in the river.IOM Police
Heavy rainfall in October 2019 left houses on Glen Road flooded

A diversion will guide motorists around the area via Minorca Hill and the A2 Laxey to Ramsey Road.

Emergency access, and access for pedestrians, will be maintained at all times throughout the duration of the works, set to be carried out by contractor Paul Carey and Sons Ltd on behalf of the DOI.

The closures, which will be outlined by signage as the project progresses, were set to be in place until 30 September.

Improvement works to the riverbank flood defences were carried out in 2024, and plans to build a concrete river wall in the area were also recently given the green light by planners.

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