The replacement bridge at Old Laxey will be ready in time for TT – at least on a temporary basis.
As the picture by our photographer Mike Wade shows, the concrete abutments for the new bridge are in place – but there’s still a lot of work to do before the two sides of the village are reunited again.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne told iomtoday: ‘We still expect the bridge to be open for traffic over TT. As was said at the time though, the bridge will not be fully complete by then but should at least be temporarily available for traffic for the TT fortnight.’
The old bridge was irreparably damaged in December when flash flooding caused part of the structure to collapse – plunging a double decker bus into the river below.
Demolition contractors JCK were mobilised for the delicate operation of removing the Bus Vannin double decker and demolishing the remainder of the bridge.
A temporary pedestrian footbridge was erected while plans were drawn up for a permanent replacement.
Mr Gawne’s department sought the views of villagers, local politicians and heritage bodies over four possible options for the replacement bridge.
While many people wanted the option of a new arched bridge, the DoI opted for a flat bridge which will reduce the likelihood of any future flood damage by allowing the river to flow unimpeded out to sea.
Source: IOM Today
