Douglas promenade works to continue into 2022 in the Isle of Man

The work has been hit with multiple delays and disruption since it began over three years ago. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Refurbishment work on the Douglas Promenade is set to continue into next year, according to the newly appointed Minister for Infrastructure.

Tim Crookall MHK said "I don't think it's fair to the public" when asked for a completion date, but went on to say "we will be in to next year for sure".

He also said he believes the work is "95% complete", but complications around the tramway points have caused a further delay.

The rail regulator has taken issue with the tramway points at a crucial section of the rail which means they now need modification at a factory in the UK.

Continued work on the tram lines between Broadway and Esplanade Mews cannot take place until the rails have been returned.

Mr Crookall was speaking in the House of Keys in response to a question by Douglas South MHK, Claire Christian.

It is the first major reconstruction of the highway since 1935, and has seen a main road in the Isle of Man capital dug up in its entirety. Credit: MyProm

The £26m Douglas Promenade scheme has been led by three different Ministers since work started on September 17 2018.

It was originally due to be completed in October 2020, but due to Covid-19 disruption the date was pushed back to April 2021.

The majority of work was then expected to be finished by the end of August 2021.

Since then the completion date has been continually pushed back, now as far as 2022.