Snow-Cleared Mountain Road Routes Reopen on the Isle of Man

G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

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

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Image Source : DOL

After being closed for days due to severe snow drifts, the remaining routes connected to the Isle of Man's iconic Mountain Road have now reopened. The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) confirmed that the Ben-y-Phott Road, which was shut down in early January due to significant snowfall on higher elevations, has finally been cleared and made accessible to motorists.

The Isle of Man's Mountain Road, a crucial and scenic route, had been affected by adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall that left many roads impassable. The Mountain Road itself reopened on 10 January after a six-day closure, but other connecting routes, such as the Ben-y-Phott and Tholt-y-Will Roads, remained closed until further clearing work was completed.

The Tholt-y-Will Road, which serves as a key link through the picturesque Sulby Valley, reopened earlier this week. However, the reopening was short-lived, as a landslip in the area caused additional delays. The Department of Infrastructure had to extend a planned daytime closure to address the issue, which included stabilizing a tree that had been weakened and was at risk of falling onto the road. The tree was successfully removed to ensure the safety of drivers using the route.

The challenging winter conditions have highlighted the ongoing need for maintenance and safety measures on these mountain routes. The DOI has implemented daytime closures on the Tholt-y-Will Road between 09:00 and 15:30 GMT, Monday to Saturday, to allow for essential carriageway construction works at Sulby Glen. These works include building a retaining wall to prevent further landslips and shore up the road near the Sulby water treatment plant. The five-week-long project, managed by contractors Paul Carey and Sons, was initially scheduled to begin on 6 January but faced delays due to the severe weather.

Outside of working hours, the Tholt-y-Will Road will remain open to through traffic, minimizing disruption for local residents. The Department has also assured that access to properties above the Sulby waterworks and reservoir will remain available via the Mountain Road during the closures.

The recent weather-related road closures have served as a reminder of the unique challenges posed by the Isle of Man's rugged landscape and unpredictable climate. Snow drifts and landslips can significantly impact transport and infrastructure, requiring swift and effective responses from local authorities. The Department of Infrastructure's ongoing efforts to maintain road safety and accessibility are vital for both residents and visitors who rely on these routes.

The Mountain Road is a significant route on the Isle of Man, particularly for its role in the annual Isle of Man TT races, which attract thousands of visitors from around the world. The scenic route offers breathtaking views but is also known for its potentially hazardous conditions during winter. The recent reopening of the snow-cleared roads is a welcome development for motorists and marks a return to normalcy after the disruptions caused by the extreme weather.

The Department of Infrastructure's focus on long-term stability through the construction of retaining walls and other safety measures reflects its commitment to ensuring that these vital routes remain accessible and secure, even during challenging weather conditions. With the reopening of the Ben-y-Phott Road and the continuation of essential works on the Tholt-y-Will Road, the Isle of Man's transport network is steadily returning to full operation, offering safer passage for residents and visitors alike.