A familiar part of the Isle of Man TT course is set to change.
The Isle of Man Department of Transport has confirmed work on the new-look Braddan Bridge will start on Monday, September 3. The work is expected to be complete by May 2, 2008 – in time for next year’s TT.
The changes to Braddan Bridge, which TT riders weave through after leaving Quarterbridge on their way to Union Mills, are part of a long-term plan to create an Outer Link for Douglas, allowing traffic to move between the north and south of the Island without passing through the busy centre of the capital.
A roundabout will be created at the junction where the TT course meets Braddan School Road – the left-hand bend before riders cross Braddan Bridge – with the well-known Jubilee Oak tree at the centre.
Another roundabout will be created at the junction with Saddle Road, after the right hand bend after where riders leave Braddan Bridge.
DoT schemes manager Jim Davidson:
‘Currently both junctions operate in such a way as to give priority to Peel Road traffic, to the detriment of the Outer Link traffic. This results in extensive queuing and delays on the minor road approaches during peak periods.’
‘Both junctions suffer from poor visibility on the Peel Road approaches and there have been a number of accidents as a result. Also, peripheral demands from housing developments reinforce the need for capacity improvements at these important junctions.’
The department considered several options, ranging from traffic signals, large roundabouts, a by-pass, and mini roundabouts. It was decided the option that met the requirements of safety and capacity, while minimising the effect on the environment and the TT circuit, was the mini roundabouts option.
The proposed scheme involves the construction of two mini-roundabouts at Braddan School Road, where the roundabout will be centred around the Jubilee Oak tree, and Saddle Road, where the central island will be removable for racing events.
The carriageway will be widened on the approaches to both roundabouts so there will be two-lane approaches on all three legs. In order to meet the tight time constraints between the 2007 Manx Grand Prix and the 2008 TT festival, some of the off-highway work has already been carried out.
This includes the construction of a new vehicular access to Braddan Bridge House, the removal of trees on and around the bridge and the relocation of some highway boundary walls.
Mr Davidson added:
‘With regard to the actual construction programme, the majority of the work will be built off the existing highway so that disruption and delays to motorists will be kept to a minimum.’
‘However, there will be periods when a traffic management plan will be activated, namely from September 3 until October 26 2007, when Saddle Road will become one-way from the Peel Road/Saddle Road junction up to the Saddle Road/Vicarage Road mini-roundabout. This will allow the ducts and pipes to be laid around the junction, and it will allow the work already being undertaken on the Saddle Road widening scheme to be completed.’
‘At other times, when the department’s workforce is working adjacent to the highway, temporary traffic signals will be used during working hours. The department recognises that this will cause some delays for motorists travelling to and from the west of the Island, but we took the view that signals would be much more preferable to a full road closure.’
‘The only requirement for full a road closure will be towards the end of the project to allow for the final wearing course to be laid, but this will be restricted to weekends towards the end of April 2008.’