Significant repairs and refurbishment are required at Ballure to ensure Manx Electric Railway services can continue operating to Ramsey.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK will seek Tynwald approval next week for £1,285,000 to make the necessary permanent repairs this winter.
Two tracks are carried across the 52-metre long bridge up to 16 metres above Ballure Glen. Built between 1897 and 1899, the riveted metal fabrication bridge was last repainted in 1981. Following an inspection in 2010, parts were found to be carrying up to 90% of their safe load during the passage of a standard MER tram. A number of timbers that support the rails on top of metal girders were renewed in 2011 and others in 2013 on safety grounds.
The 2010 inspection identified the necessary structural repairs that the department hopes to undertake this winter. These will involve scaffolding the whole structure and some crane working to enable a number of severely corroded metal sections to be replaced along with 300 currently ineffective rivets. Timber-supporting steel beams will be upgraded or replaced and the whole structure re-painted with high integrity marine-standard coating after removal of the old paint.
All rail carrying timbers will be replaced and new rails and safety guard rails will be installed. There is a possibility further defects will be detected after removal of the old paint although detailed trial works have been undertaken to improve the accuracy of the budget cost. The track between the bridge and the main Laxey Road crossing will also be renewed as part of the scheme.
If approved, repair works would commence soon after the MER season ends on 2 November 2014.
