Part-closure of road as prep for TT races to begin

Preparation works on the A18 Mountain Road for the 2024 Isle of Man TT races are set to take place in two stages in late April.

The Department of Infrastructure said as major excavation works were not needed, only half the road would be closed during each two-day phase.

Works to be carried out include the erection of safety barriers and equipment, line, kerb and bridge painting, gully clearing and the installation of signage for the one-way system.

The department said the works would “ensure that the road remains fit for public use throughout the year and is prepared for the upcoming road race season”.

Under the plans, the partial closures of the road would start with the stretch between Ramsey Hairpin to Bungalow, which would be closed from 09:00 on 22 April until 22:00 GMT on 23 April.

That would be followed by the closure of the road between the Bungalow to Creg ny Baa for the same period the following week, on 29 and 30 April.

'Different approach'

In previous years, the entire carriageway has been closed to accommodate the works ahead of the racing season.

A department spokesman said a “slightly different approach” was being taken “to minimise the impact of these works and maximise the opportunities to complete works in the planned timeframe”.

“This approach is possible as unlike last year there are no works planned that require significant excavation of the highway,” he said.

In conjunction with the race organisers, the closures will also be used to install signalling kit, marshal shelters, TV scaffold towers, portable toilets and equipment boxes.

Access to the Creg ny Baa and the facilities in the area of the Bungalow will be maintained via roads leading onto the A18.

Reserve dates of 24 and 25 April and 1 and 2 May have been set aside should the planned works be disrupted by poor weather.