Work to reconstruct a section of the main road through Higher Foxdale will get underway on Monday 3 October 2016.
The Department of Infrastructure scheme will be carried out in three phases, with the improvements scheduled for completion before the start of the 2017 TT Festival.
The 550 metre section of carriageway has been identified by road condition surveys as having a poor ride quality, low residual life and poor drainage. Trial trenches have shown that the road has only 40mm thickness of tarmac surface and no foundation.
A full road closure will be required as it is necessary to excavate to a depth of two metres in order to install a large diameter storm water pipe down the centre of the road. A new water main will also be installed, while the overhead electricity cables will be laid underground.
The finished scheme will provide a road that is capable of meeting traffic requirements throughout its design life of 40 years. Village gateway features and electronic speed signs will be incorporated to improve road safety.
The initial phase will focus on improving the layout and geometry at Mines Road junction, which will be closed for approximately six weeks from 3 October. Once the work at the junction is complete, it will be partially reopened to provide vehicular access to some properties, to the filling station and to the Baltic Inn.
The next phase of the scheme on the main road will then proceed on two fronts simultaneously –
• from the Mines Road junction heading south to Costain’s Yard
• from Dove Cottage working back up the road towards the Mines Road junction
Access to the filling station and the pub will be maintained from Mines Road until the work reaches the forecourt entrance, at which time access will then switch to the northern end of the village from Lower Foxdale.
Discussions have taken place with the Department of Education and Children and Bus Vannin to determine how public transport services can best serve the primary school, secondary schools and the wider community while the road is closed.
Bus Vannin has confirmed that a limited service will be available to and from Foxdale and Douglas, Peel and Castletown. Details of the new timetables will be published once they have been finalised.
Signs for the diversion route for HGVs and buses from the west and north of the Island and vice-versa will be erected at major junctions.
The Department recognises that the scheme will result in disruption and longer journey times for motorists and inconvenience to Foxdale residents and wishes to thank people in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
Public meetings have been held in the village as part of the commitment to keeping residents and businesses informed of progress. The Department is continuing to work with politicians, the local authority and a range of local stakeholders.
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