Mountain Road Reopens After Six-Day Closure Due to Severe Snow and Ice

G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : DOI

The A18 Mountain Road, a vital route connecting the Manx capital of Douglas with the northern town of Ramsey, has reopened after being closed for six days due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. The closure, which began on Saturday evening, impacted travel across the Isle of Man, leaving motorists and residents to deal with significant disruptions caused by the extreme winter weather. With snow blanketing higher ground and creating treacherous conditions, the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) made the decision to close the road as a safety precaution.

Despite the reopening of the Mountain Road, the DOI has issued a strong advisory for drivers to exercise caution and "drive to the prevailing conditions." Although the snow has been cleared from the road, the surrounding landscape remains covered in snow, and icy patches could still pose a risk to vehicles. A yellow weather warning for ice remains in effect until Saturday morning, particularly for higher ground areas and low-lying spots that are sheltered from the wind, where ice is more likely to form.

Other nearby routes, including the Tholt-Y-Will Road and the Ben-Y-Phott Road, remain closed due to hazardous conditions. The DOI has confirmed that these roads will be reviewed at different intervals, with the Tholt-Y-Will Road expected to be reassessed on Saturday morning and the Ben-Y-Phott Road scheduled for a review on Monday. The department has described these routes as "very snow and ice bound," indicating that significant clearing efforts are still required before they can be safely reopened.

The initial closure of the Mountain Road was implemented as a proactive measure ahead of the forecasted snowfall last weekend. The Isle of Man has experienced some of its most severe winter weather in recent years, with continuous snowstorms and freezing temperatures leading to widespread disruptions. Ronaldsway Met Office has warned that road surface temperatures over higher ground will remain close to freezing overnight, creating an ongoing risk of ice. On lower ground, temperatures are expected to drop sharply after dusk, with clear spells contributing to the formation of ice on untreated road surfaces that have become wet during the day.

Throughout the week, road safety has been a significant concern across the island. The Isle of Man Constabulary reported responding to 15 road traffic collisions within just two days as a result of the icy conditions. Authorities have emphasized the importance of cautious driving, particularly in areas where ice may not be immediately visible to motorists. The combination of snow, ice, and low temperatures has made driving conditions unpredictable, further underscoring the need for vigilance on the roads.

The adverse weather has also impacted air travel on the island. The Isle of Man Airport experienced significant disruptions on Thursday evening, with several flights unable to land due to the severe ice and snow conditions on the runway. Passengers faced delays and cancellations as airport authorities worked to manage the challenging weather. The situation highlighted the widespread effects of the winter storm, which extended beyond road travel to affect other critical infrastructure.

While the reopening of the Mountain Road marks a step toward normalcy, weather forecasts suggest that motorists should remain alert for changing conditions. The DOI has confirmed that further pre-treatment of the winter gritting routes was not deemed necessary on Friday evening, suggesting that crews have effectively managed the immediate risks. However, with temperatures hovering around freezing and ice still present on many untreated surfaces, drivers are urged to remain cautious in the coming days.

As winter weather continues to impact the Isle of Man, the focus remains on maintaining safety and preventing further incidents. The reopening of the Mountain Road is a welcome development for residents and commuters, but the lingering risk of ice means that road users must continue to take precautions. The DOI and local authorities are closely monitoring conditions and will provide updates on any further road closures or weather-related advisories.