Excavated material from the Peel Road refurbishment has been recycled to create a heritage trail cycleway on a section of the old steam railway line between Crosby and Union Mills.
The Department of Infrastructure is hoping the new track will become a well-used public amenity and encourage more people from the surrounding area to cycle or walk to work in Douglas.
Approximately 2,500 of the 20,000 tonnes of material dug up during the Peel Road works has been used to transform the previously muddy stretch of railway line.
The scheme, which is scheduled for completion on Friday (March 27), has also involved the widening and strengthening of three footbridges. Concrete steps have been replaced by ramps at two of the bridges to assist pedestrians and cyclists.
Improvements have been made to the natural streams to remove surface water from the track and prevent ponding, which was a problem for users of the railway line.
Other work carried out since the scheme got under way in October 2014 has included tree lopping and hedge trimming, ditch clearance, pipe cleansing and the introduction of new edging and wooden boundary fencing.
Careful management of the project has prevented any damage to environmentally sensitive areas by construction plant and equipment.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said:
‘This is a really positive project on so many different levels. It has seen the creative recycling of excavated road material to provide an amenity that everyone can enjoy. As we move towards Easter and the summer, hopefully the good weather will continue and I would encourage people to put it to the test and get out walking and cycling. It would certainly be a healthy way of commuting into Douglas.’
Infrastructure is working closely with the Departments of Health and Social Care, Economic Development and Environment, Food and Agriculture to develop plans for more commuter and leisure cycle routes in the Isle of Man.
The feasibility of extending the heritage trail into Peel is being assessed and officers are also looking at possible routes linking the south of the Island with Douglas.
Mr Gawne added:
‘Improving the Isle of Man’s cycling infrastructure would have many benefits, not only in terms of general health, but also in terms of reducing congestion and the impact of carbon emissions on the Manx environment. Funding is an issue, but I am keen to explore the potential for additional trails.’
The section of the old railway line between Old Church Road in Crosby and Union Mills refurbished by the Department of Infrastructure joins the stretch from Union Mills to the TT Access Road resurfaced by Braddan Commissioners.
Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle MHK said:
‘The improvement to the track is something I have pushed for since being elected as MHK for Middle and I am delighted to see the project come to fruition. I think it will prove to be a wonderful facility for the local community. As Minister for Health, anything that encourages people to take regular exercise is a good thing. Walking and cycling are low-impact activities that can significantly improve individual fitness and general wellbeing and in turn reduce the demand on our health services.’
