Old Castletown Road restrictions to be lifted ahead of schedule

Two-way traffic to be reinstated at White Hoe from 3:30pm

A road closure in place on the Old Castletown Road will be lifted this afternoon ahead of schedule (23 March).

The section by the White Hoe Industrial Estate, which has been closed or restricted to one-way traffic, will fully reopen for traffic heading in both directions from 3:30pm.

The route has been closed since 9 March while Manx Utilities carried out 'essential refurbishment work' on wastewater infrastructure in the area.

Restrictions in the area have been blamed for an increase in congestion in and around Douglas in recent weeks.

Why are restrictions being lifted now?

Two-way traffic was due to be reinstated on or before 25 March.

In an update this afternoon, Manx Utilities says "mid‑day concrete cube test results have verified that the newly placed concrete has reached the required strength for the road to reopen safely". 

"Our team is now completing the final torquing of the covers and arranging the removal of traffic management and diversion signs.

"We are pleased to be able to reopen this section earlier than planned and would like to thank everyone for their patience while this essential work has been carried out."

Upcoming Easter holidays closure

It's not the end of the story for these works, though. The MUA has confirmed a 'short period of full road closure' will be required next month to safely progress the Kewaigue wastewater network upgrade.

On this upcoming work, the authority says: "Ground conditions identified during excavation mean a temporary full closure is necessary to ensure safe working conditions for the public and construction teams.  

"To minimise disruption during peak travel periods, the closure has been scheduled over two weekends during the Easter school holidays (11–12 April and 18–19 April). 

Single‑lane traffic management will continue outside these dates where conditions allow, with access via Port Soderick.

A further three‑day period of single‑lane traffic management will be required at a later date between 9.30am and 3.00pm, with arrangements removed overnight. The MUA says dates will be confirmed in coordination with the Department of Infrastructure.

Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout.