The project to carry out major maintenance works to the Peel Road corridor between Quarterbridge and Circular Road is now underway. Work is progressing well, the project has been fully resourced and has benefitted from generally good weather.
The first phase of the work is to improve the left turn from Peel Road into Pulrose Road and to strengthen the former Pulrose Road railway bridge. Pulrose Road is currently closed to traffic to allow these works to be carried out quickly and safely and it is planned that the road will be re-opened to traffic by mid April. Works will then continue in this area under traffic lights with this first phase of the scheme being completed before TT. After TT, work will start in earnest on Peel Road itself with outbound traffic diverted along Pulrose Road and Groves Road in order to maximise the work area available and enable the works to be completed as quickly as possible, whilst also continuing to maintain access to premises.
With Pulrose Rd closed at present, more traffic is being channelled through Quarterbridge. Therefore there has been extra traffic congestion on the approaches in the first few days.
The Department has encouraged people to consider other routes where those are viable, such as via Old Castletown Rd and South Quay. Alternatively, people may need to allow a little extra time for their journeys as this also helps spread the traffic over a longer peak period than usual and also helps reduce congestion.
David Cretney, Minister for Infrastructure said “I am grateful for the public’s patience to date and whilst I acknowledge there is some disruption, I hope the long term benefits of this project will ultimately be welcomed by all and will enhance this key route into Douglas.
The Department continues to plan its projects to help minimise congestion and inconvenience as far as is practical and I have asked my Officers to ensure that this project is delivered as quickly as possible and additional resources have already been brought in. I would also like to remind people that all the businesses on Middle River, Riverside and Hills Meadow estates, as well as along Groves Rd and Peel Road itself remain open and I would like to encourage the public to support them throughout the course of the works.”
