Members of Tynwald will be asked this month to approve expenditure of ?1.27million to repair a section of the electric railway track at Ballure Bridge.

The Department of Infrastructure says the works are necessary to ensure 'the continued safe operation of the Manx Electric railway into Ramsey'.

The funds will allow for structural repair, track renewal and repainting works to be carried out. The DOI says that it is likely that there have been no structural repairs since the bridge was completed in 1898. It's thought the rail support timbers were replaced when the bridge was last repainted in 1981.

The department states a condition survey carried out in 2012 recommended all timbers should be replaced by February 2014, adding: 'If the defects are not attended to within this period it is likely that further deterioration will lead to additional repairs and associated costs or restrictions of usage of the structure.'


Got a story? Contact Joanne on 340000 or email newsdesk@manx.net

twitter @jonewsiom