Victorian swing bridge to close for timber repairs

A Victorian swing bridge in the north of the Isle of Man is closing to traffic and pedestrians for the majority of August.

The structure in Ramsey, which links the town centre to the north, was shut for more than six months last year to repair rotten timber decking.

Similar work, including repairs to the bridge's timber deck and resurfacing the road, is expected to take between two and three weeks and will start from 3 August.

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) said the work was "essential to maintain and preserve the Victorian era structure of the swing bridge for day-to-day use".

The bridge was closed to vehicles in January 2025 by the DOI after uncovering structural issues.

This latest closure has a month-long contingency window.

Ageing electrical equipment is also to be replaced at the same time as the works, the DOI said.

Originally opened in 1892, the swing bridge was given protected status in March 2023, and as the only structure of its type, the DOI previously said it was "committed to ensuring it is maintained accordingly".

Drivers and pedestrians will be diverted via the stone bridge to the west, to link people further north.

The DOI said commercial and leisure vessels would continue to have access to the town's inner harbour throughout the works.

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