A major highway redevelopment scheme will start next week to enhance a section of road in Ramsey and ensure it is capable of meeting traffic requirements for the next 40 years.

The work includes reconstructing the failing carriageway on Bircham Avenue, upgrading the drainage system and resurfacing the footways.

The Department of Infrastructure scheme will get under way on Monday 14 September and is expected to take 31 weeks to complete. The scheme will require the closure of Bircham Avenue due to depth of excavation and width of the road.

Work will be phased in order to maintain access for residents and traffic management will be in place to help minimise any potential disruption.

The main routes into Ramsey’s commercial centre and quayside via Lezayre Road will not be affected. Businesses in the vicinity of the scheme will remain open and access will be maintained for customers.

The Department’s Highway Services division says the 200 metre section of road on Bircham Avenue, between its junctions with Lezayre Road and Poyll Dooey Road, is in urgent need of full reconstruction. The carriageway has been identified as being nearing the end of its operational life and is providing motorists with a poor ride quality.

During work on the highway, Manx Utilities will install a large water trunk main, while the drainage system will be upgraded to improve highway drainage on Lezayre Road as well as Bircham Avenue. Footways will be re-kerbed and resurfaced, while new tactile crossing points will be installed to assist pedestrians.

Traffic lights will be in place for approximately 8 weeks at the junction of Poyll Dooey and Station Road while the drainage and outfall works are completed in partnership with private sector contractors.

The option of opening the gate at Greenlands Avenue was considered as a way of easing any build-up of traffic on Lezayre Road during the closure of Bircham Avenue. However, this has been discounted on safety grounds because of the proximity of the gate to Bunscoill Rhumsaa.

John Houghton MHK, Member of Infrastructure with responsibility for Highway Services, said: ‘Bircham Avenue needs to be redeveloped as a matter of priority and this scheme will greatly enhance the carriageway. The opportunity is also being taken to install new service mains and make essential improvements to the drainage system. I’d like to thank the residents of Ramsey in advance for their cooperation and understanding while this important work takes place.’