Pipeline fault causes closure of road into capital

News imageFrank Schuengel A row of red and white cones block off a stretch of road lined with trees, and a road closed sign to the left. Behind is a stone bridge and further roadwork infrastructure behind.Frank Schuengel
Manx Utilities said the works would "help avoid the risk of more significant disruption" in future

A busy route around the Isle of Man's capital is to shut to traffic for repair works after a fault was discovered with a recently laid pipeline.

Manx Utilities (MU) carried out wastewater upgrade works at Kewaigue Hill on Castletown Road in Douglas in April.

But an MU spokesperson said during the "final inspection and testing" of the new pipeline, an issue had been found.

Part of the road is to close from 09:30 BST on Friday until the evening on 12 July so the problem can be fixed.

MU said the closure would start later to avoid interfering with peak morning commuting.

It will remain closed 24 hours a day until Sunday evening, but the authority added that access via Port Soderick would remain open throughout.

The MU spokesperson said: "We appreciate that this additional closure will be frustrating for residents, businesses and road users.

"However, completing these works now will ensure the defect is resolved before the pipeline is brought into service and will help avoid the risk of more significant disruption and costs in the future."

They apologised "for the inconvenience" and thanked people "for their patience and understanding".

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