Victorian swing bridge closure extended further

The closure of a Victorian swing bridge in the north of the Isle of Man has been extended for two months after further damage to its deck was discovered.

The Ramsey Swing Bridge was shut to traffic in late January by the Department of Infrastructure to carry out inspections and for repairs to be arranged.

The department said those surveys had "revealed other areas of concern" and the route would close until repairs on the structure had been completed.

The bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists and has been operating as usual to allow boats to pass in and out of the inner harbour.

Opened in 1892, the structure was given protected status in March 2024.

The swing bridge allows vehicles and pedestrians access over the inner harbour to the swimming pool and North Promenade from the town centre.

The department said using information gathered during recent inspections, its design engineers were "undertaking structural assessments of the timber members" and drawing up the necessary plans for repairs.

The works would take place "as soon as possible subject to material availability", it added.

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