Mountain Road: Pre-TT maintenance works postponed

It's currently closed between the Bungalow and the Creg Ny Baa, however, as Police carry out investigations into a recent collision (12pm).

It is anticipated that the road will reopen prior to 2pm.

Whilst resurfacing now can't take place before the Isle of Man TT races or Manx Grand Prix get underway, other pre-TT works - such as signage installation, gully clearing and safety barrier installation - are now due to start on Monday, 7 April, with the road closed from 9:30am.

The closure on this section of road (Bungalow to Creg Ny Baa) will stay in place until Friday, 11 April.

From Monday, 14 April the road will close from the Bungalow to Ramsey 24 hours a day until Thursday, 17 April.

In a post on social media, the Department of Infrastructure says: "Unfortunately the Department’s asphalt plant at Poortown Quarry has suffered a gearbox failure and cannot produce asphalt.

"Resurfacing or road reconstruction works on the TT Mountain Circuit have to be completed a month ahead of the first practice session to ensure that the new surface is sufficiently trafficked prior to racing.

"As is cannot yet be confirmed when our asphalt plant will be back in operation, it has been decided that it is prudent to postpone these works .

"The planned closure was also to allow installation of TT race equipment and cyclical maintenance works.

"The planned works on the mountain include significant resurfacing works and installation of three new drainage culverts. Re-profiling the carriageway will require approximately 3500 tonnes of asphalt.

"The road improvement works will be rescheduled to take place after Manx Grand Prix. When arrangements are confirmed there will be a further announcement.

"Please note that while our own plant is out of action other surfacing works being undertaken by the Department that require lesser quantities of asphalt will continue, but will be supplied by the privately operated asphalt plant at Billown."

During the closures the Snaefell Mountain Railway will operate as normal, and the Snaefell Summit Café and Victory Café will be accessible from Sulby via the Tholt Y Will Road at all times.

The Creg Ny Baa will also be accessible from Douglas via Hillberry and Laxey via the Creg Ny Baa Back Road.