IT will take 10 weeks for a mini roundabout that does not comply with current design standards to be replaced by a new full size roundabout in Rushen.
The Department of Infrastructure will start work on the Ballakillowey junction on Monday, January 17.
The current roundabout in Ballakillowey has been in place since the early 1990s. At the time of its creation there were no specific design guides and as such the roundabout does not fully comply with current design standards.
The speed of the majority of vehicles approaching from Ballafesson is 39mph which exceeds the mandatory requirement for the approach to a mini roundabout. Vehicles also run across the painted centre circle without reducing their speed and the road surface around the junction needs to be resurfaced.
The Department of Infrastructure has determined that physical traffic calming measures are not appropriate or sympathetic to the rural environment. Instead it has secured a small area of agricultural land to the south east of the junction to build a full size roundabout.
The centre circle of the new roundabout will be formed in kerbs and there will be an over-run-able lower outer circle which will cause vehicles to slow on the approach and through the roundabout.
In addition a short section of footway will also be created to the south east of the junction along with new and improved pedestrian crossing points. The existing road surface on all four arms of the junction will also be resurfaced.
Temporary traffic signals will be used around the junction for the full duration of the ten week construction period.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said: "The improvements that will be made at Ballakillowey are vitally important to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists at the two junctions.
"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 this busy junction.
"The department would like to apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause and thank the traveling public for its continued cooperation."
Work is scheduled to be completed by Friday, March 25.
