Two-week closure of western section of TT course

Urgent drainage works are set to close a western section of the Isle of Man TT course for a fortnight in March.

The A3 will be shut between Ballig Bridge and Cronk Y Voddy on a 24-hour basis from 09:30 GMT on 17 March.

Diversions via the Peel to Kirk Michael Coast Road will be in place during the works in the area of Glen Helen.

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) said the "essential" work was being carried out at the request of race organisers ACU Events and the Department for Enterprise to allow the races to run.

The project was needed to "alleviate a risk of water seeping onto the carriageway causing a potential hazard to motorcycles travelling at race speed" during the TT and Manx Grand Prix races, the DOI said.

The department said it would allow for the construction of an improved surface water drainage system on the lower section of Creg Willey's Hill.

The work would require a "full width excavation" of the carriageway to install a culvert across the road, the DOI said.

Resurfacing and re-lining of the surface would take place as part of the project, it added.

While access to residential properties will be maintained, the route will be closed to through traffic throughout the period.

Diversions will be put in place at the Poortown Road and at Douglas Road Corner junctions on the A2.

The Isle of Man TT races are scheduled to take place between 26 May and 7 June.

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