Victorian swing bridge repair work begins

The repair works are expected to take up to three weeks

A Victorian swing bridge in the north of the Isle of Man could reopen to traffic before the end of August after work to repair damage to its deck got underway.

The Ramsey Swing Bridge was shut to traffic in late January by the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) after structural issues were uncovered.

Although the DOI had previously said the work could be delayed by another three months, that has now been pulled back to three weeks after the appointed contractor was "able to make an immediate start".

The repairs are needed after a hole was found in the deck of the causeway at the northern approach to the bridge where timber had rotted due to water penetration.

Opened in 1892, the bridge was given protected status in March 2023.

Various extensions to the closure had been announced since concerns were raised.

The department had previously said the completion of the works would be subject to "material and resource availability" and could take until October.

In a statement, the department said as it was a "registered structure" discussions over the repairs that were needed had taken place with the planning division to ensure works carried out were "within the permitted consents".

It also said the department had "no agenda to pedestrianise the swing bridge".

However, if that were to be considered in the future "to ensure the long term viability of the bridge", there would be a "full public consultation", it added

The structure has remained open to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as operating to facilitate access for boats to Ramsey's inner harbour, throughout the duration of the closure.