Covid-19 Coronavirus

Temporary reopening of main road in Foxdale for TT

Friday, 19 May 2017

The main road through Higher Foxdale will reopen on a temporary basis during the peak TT period.

The highway and footpaths that are currently under construction will be accessible to motorists and pedestrians from Friday 26 May to Monday 12 June.

A large volume of traffic diverts through Foxdale when the TT course is closed for racing, so work on the major highway improvement scheme in the village is being suspended for practice week and race week.

Ahead of the temporary reopening, the opportunity is also being taken to lay the final road surfacing at Mines Road junction.

Temporary reopening of main road in Foxdale for TT

Staff will be on site on Saturday and Sunday (20 and 21 May 2017) to carry out the work from the lane below Number 3 Mines Road and from Dingle Nook to Costain’s Yard. Access to the Baltic Inn and the filling station this weekend will be from the St John’s/Lower Foxdale direction.

Other work scheduled to take place before Friday 26 May includes making the main road suitable for vehicle use during the TT period, upgrading approximately 200 metres of footpath and completing the stone wall at Brookfield House.

After TT race week, the main road in Higher Foxdale will close again at 10am on 12 June to enable the final phase of the scheme to take place.

It is estimated that the remaining work to enhance the highway, drainage and utilities infrastructure will take nine weeks to complete. The Department of Infrastructure is exploring options to try to reduce the duration of the construction programme, such as additional weekend working and longer working hours.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘Preparations are being put in place for the temporary reopening of the main road through Higher Foxdale. Following the busy TT period the Department will focus on completing the remaining elements of the overall scheme as quickly as possible. The final phase of excavation and construction will be challenging, as there are water, gas, electric and telecoms pipes and cables serving properties on both sides of the road.’

He added:

‘The Department will liaise with the utility companies to see what can be done to complete the work in the shortest possible timeframe. Staff have been working 10-hour days and at weekends during certain stages of the scheme and we will look at extending this after TT. I recognise the disruption that has been experienced by residents and businesses and wish to thank them again for their continued patience and cooperation. I would also encourage people to support the businesses in Foxdale while the remaining work is completed.’

Back to top