Work begins on new IoM bridge connecting town to Viking castle

The bridge at Peel Harbour and Marina Credit: IOM Gov

Construction work on a new replacement bridge will begin on the Isle of Man today.

Work on Peel Harbour Road Bridge has begun, with an anticipated completion date of mid-March next year.

The bridge will connect the town to Peel Castle- which has stood since the 11th century on St Patrick's Isle.

While the new bridge is constructed, a temporary bridge with traffic light controls will cross the River Neb, with access through Peel marina boatyard.

The temporary bridge will be commissioned week commencing Monday 15th October, when the current bridge will be closed to traffic and pedestrians.

The work is essential as the current hardwood timber bridge, which was built in 1938, has reached the end of its life.

A rolling maintenance programme has been in place since the 1990s, but further deterioration means it must be replaced.When completed, the bridge will be a single span structure with a concrete deck on steel beams and will carry two lanes of traffic, along with a footpath.

Highway improvements will be made to the approaches in both directions and the load carrying capacity will increase from 20 to 44 tonnes.After a comprehensive tender process the final capital cost is set at £530,000.