DoI has 'no agenda' to pedestrianise Ramsey Swing Bridge 

It's been closed for seven months whilst 'remedial works' are carried out

The Department of Infrastructure says it has 'no agenda' to pedestrianise the Ramsey Swing Bridge. 

It's been closed to vehicles for seven months due to a hole in the road surface which needed repairing as well as rot in its timber decking. 

Earlier this week, Ramsey Commissioner Juan McGuinness said it can feel like Ramsey is 'last' to receive funding or is given a 'second class budget' during a Q&A session on Facebook.

You can read more here.

The department says its engineers have prepared a 'remedial solution' and a contractor will be sought to carry out the works which will be before the end of the year subject to material and resource availability. 

It also confirmed if pedestrianisation was being considered ensure the ‘long-term viability’ of the bridge, it would be subject to full public consultation.

The DoI says that because the bridge is registered, a number of discussions have taken place with the Planning Department to ensure work is carried out within ‘permitted consents’.

It also believes that due to it being the only structure of its type and it being an aging asset, it’s appropriate that the bridge is ‘maintained accordingly’. 

The Department says it 'remains committed' to developing key schemes in Ramsey including the proposed West Quay flood prevention and highway refurbishment scheme.

It adds that Ramsey is second only to Douglas for highway maintenance spend by area and has received more than £10M since 2012.