MOTORISTS face weeks of roadworks at one of the Island's busiest roundabouts when improvement work is carried out later this month.

A resurfacing and minor improvement scheme at Quarterbridge roundabout will start on Monday, January 24.

The work will involve resurfacing the mini roundabouts, and their approaches, to improve the skidding resistance of the road which has become worn through braking and tight turning movements.

The kerb line at the front entrance of the Quarterbridge Hotel will be set back to improve the left turning manoeuvre from Peel Road into New Castletown Road.

The lanes will also be made wider, to three metres, between the two mini roundabouts for larger commercial vehicles and bus traffic.

A boltdown central pedestrian refuge island, between the mini roundabouts, will also be introduced which will aid pedestrians crossing the junction and allow the removal of the red and white plastic barriers.

Traffic management during the work, which is expected to last for six weeks, will include narrow lanes, part time traffic signals and two temporary weekend road closures.

Minister Phil Gawne said: "The improvements that will be made at Quarterbridge are vitally important to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists at the junction. 

"The measures being taken will improve skid resistance on the approaches to the junctions and the construction of additional footpaths and pedestrian crossing areas will also provide a safe method for pedestrians to negotiate these busy junctions.
 
"The department would like to apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause and thank the traveling public for its continued cooperation."