Need to know: Five-week mountain road closure

The five-week closure is due to come into force from 15 September

The southern section of a major route connecting the Manx capital with the north is set to close for five weeks next month.

Roadworks will close the A18 mountain road between Brandywell and Creg Ny Baa corner, from 15 September.

The works, including the installation of two culverts to improve drainage, as well as resurfacing, had been due to take place in the Spring but were postponed after the Department of Infrastructure's (DoI) asphalt plant was temporarily rendered out of action.

The DoI said the work was being carried out "as soon as possible" after the Manx Grand Prix, to ensure "completion before winter" when conditions were more likely to prevent or extend the project's timeframe.

What are the works for?

Two new surface water culverts are being installed to help manage any potential flooding and reduce the risk of ice on the road during winter, the DoI said.

Culverts manage run-off by allowing water to pass under roads.

Subsequent resurfacing of the route will also offer vehicles improved grip.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood said the scheme was "vital" for road safety, highlighting how that section of the route had seen five collisions in the past three years.

"We apologise for any disruption this might cause motorists, but I am sure that everyone appreciates that it is essential that we should put safety first," she said.

What do the works comprise?

One culvert would be located below Kate's Cottage, and the other just south of Keppel Gate.

The project will see a 2.5m deep excavation across the full width of the road, after which about 350 metres of the highway (1,148 ft) will be resurfaced and the road markings reinstated.

Access to businesses

The Victory Café, Snaefell Summit Café and Snaefell Mountain Railway will be accessible at all times from Ramsey, Tholt y Will road and Beinn y Phott road.

Meanwhile, the Creg ny Baa Hotel will be accessible at from Douglas and the Creg ny Baa back road.

Other key dates

The department has promised to minimise any work on alternative routes between Douglas and the north, in order to prevent exacerbating any disruption during the closure.

However, in addition to the project on 15 September, the northern section of the mountain road, from Ramsey to the Bungalow, is set to be closed on 8 and 9 September - to allow for the removal of racing equipment following the grand prix.

Motor-racing equipment along the southern section would be removed during the five-week closure from 15 September.

In addition, the northern section of the route will shut on 21 September, from 12:00 until 17:00 BST, for the Scenic Car Tour event.