The A18 Mountain Road will be closed between Creg ny Baa and Brandywell Corner for approximately five weeks from Monday, 15 September, to allow essential construction works to take place.
Highway Services staff will be installing two new surface water culverts to help manage water on the road and reduce the risk of ice during winter. One culvert will be located below Kate’s Cottage and the other just south of Keppel Gate. These works will involve excavations up to 2.5 metres deep across the full width of the road, followed by full resurfacing of around 350 metres of carriageway and associated line marking.
This work was originally scheduled for spring of this year but had to be postponed due to a breakdown at the Department of Infrastructure’s asphalt plant. It is now being carried out as soon as possible after the Manx Grand Prix to ensure completion before winter, when prevailing weather conditions are more likely to prevent works or significantly extend the timeframe of the scheme.
The additional resurfacing work originally planned north of Keppel Gate will no longer be needed, as recent retexturing has significantly improved grip in that area.
Minister for Infrastructure Dr Michelle Haywood said:
‘This scheme is vital for road safety. The section of road to be worked on has seen five injury collisions in the past three years.
‘The Department has worked closely with the Isle of Man Constabulary to identify and address the issues. In addition, ACU Events, the organiser of the TT Races, has also requested that these works be undertaken ahead of TT 2026.’
The new culverts and resurfacing will improve drainage and grip, making the road safer for all users in all weather conditions.
The Department will endeavour to minimise any highways work on the alternative routes between Douglas and the North to reduce the disruption for vehicular traffic whilst the Mountain Road closure is in place.
Dr Haywood added:
‘We apologise for any disruption this might cause motorists, but I am sure that everyone appreciates that it is essential that we should put safety first.
‘I’d like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding while we carry out these important improvements.’
Businesses in the area of the Bungalow; the Victory Café, Snaefell Summit Café and Snaefell Mountain Railway will be accessible at all times from Ramsey, Tholt y Will Road and Beinn y Phott Road. The Creg ny Baa Hotel will be accessible at all times from Douglas (via Hillberry) and the Creg ny Baa Road.
In addition to the roadworks starting on 15 September, the northern section of the road – between Ramsey and the Bungalow – will be closed on Monday, 8 September, and Tuesday, 9 September, for the removal of road racing equipment following the Manx Grand Prix. That work will be carried out by contractors working for the Department of Enterprise.
Motor racing equipment from the southern section of the Mountain Road will be removed while roadworks take place from 15 September.
On Sunday, 21 September, the northern section of the Mountain Road will also be closed from midday until 5pm to allow the Scenic Car Tour event to take place.
Arrangements will be made to make the worksite safe to shepherd vehicles taking part in the event through the work site to the Creg ny Baa.
