Ramsey swing bridge in need of £750k repairs

Tynwald has already approved the spending of £100,000 on repairs to the bridge

Ramsey's 120-year-old swing bridge needs urgent repairs costing £750,000 to avert a "major failure", according to a government minister.

The Victorian bridge, built in 1892, is used by both cars and pedestrians to cross the river Sulby.

Minister David Cretney said the work would "secure the future of the iconic bridge."

The Department of Infrastructure is to seek approval for the repair costs on Tuesday.

If approved, the work would begin in September and take three months, with the bridge closed to traffic throughout.

Tynwald has already approved £100,000 funding and a further £650,000 is now needed to complete the project.

The scheme will include a major overhaul of the main turning mechanism and bearings.

Last year, Mr Cretney said significant damage was noted on the bridge caused by misalignment.

He added: "Failure to undertake this work now will result in its continued deterioration and consequent increased costs."

"Given the iconic nature and location of the bridge, we feel that undertaking a refurbishment scheme would be much preferred to having to take the bridge permanently out of operation following a major failure."