Work to begin on replacing Douglas water mains

Thu, 06 Apr 2023

Work will begin next week on replacing the water main in Douglas next week.

Manx Utilities is to progress a water main replacement from Noble's Park to Mona Drive as part of a phased plan to replace old water mains and increase the security of supply for customers.  

Work is planned to start on 11 April 2023, pausing for TT Practice week and race week, returning to complete all work by Manx Grand Prix practice week.  If for any reason completion is delayed, work on site will stop for the Manx Grand Prix.

Manx Utilities operates water mains that were installed in this location in the early 1920s and run from Ballaquayle Service Reservoir (located at Noble’s Park) to Victoria Road and then a single main to the top of Mona Drive in Douglas.  The oldest section, a 12 inch cast iron main is 99 years old.  In addition to the age of the water mains, when major road works are carried out, water mains can become disturbed and it is not unusual for mains to burst during or just after road works.  This work will avoid the need to excavate new roads.

The project has been reviewed by the Island’s Joint Utilities’ Group and provided an opportunity to undertake other utility services work in relation to electricity, drainage and gas. 

Dukes Road will be reinstated, whilst Falcon Cliff Terrace will be fully reconstructed as the carriageway there has failed.  Victoria Road will be reinstated in the same way as Dukes Road to at least half width of the carriageway.  The sewers in Mona Drive will be lined by Environmental Techniques using a structural liner and this will minimise disruption in Mona Drive.

Access will be maintained to properties however there may be a need to close Dukes Road for a short period whilst the mains are laid.  Falcon Cliff Terrace will be closed over its entire length to enable a gas main replacement and the laying of the two water mains and the road will be fully reconstructed.  Work in Victoria Road will be controlled by traffic lights to enable continuous access to and from properties and businesses.

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