The Sulby Glen Road is reopening ahead of schedule following the completion of a major scheme to rebuild the retaining wall, stabilise the soil slope and resurface the carriageway.
 
Work on the section of the A14 near to Tholt-y-Will started on 17 February and was expected to take 12 weeks. However, the road will reopen to the public from 4.30pm tomorrow, Thursday 1 May, after the Department of Infrastructure’s contractor, JCK Ltd, completed the repairs well within the timeframe.
 
The closure of the road was necessary in order to replace the existing Manx stone retaining wall and protect the carriageway, which was at risk of collapse because of the instability of the tree-lined slope.
 
The complex engineering project involved the use of more than 50 soil nails, 24 mini piles and 300 square metres of rock netting, as well as the resurfacing of the carriageway.
 
Contractors worked closely with Manx Utilities throughout the scheme to protect the raw water main feeding the treatment works from the Sulby Reservoir.
 
John Houghton MHK, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Highways and Operations, said: ‘This was a very challenging project, exacerbated by the instability of the retaining wall at the side of the road. I am pleased the work has been completed ahead of schedule and would like to thank local residents and business owners for their patience and understanding.’