Millennium Bridge overnight closures this week 

It's for lift bridge maintenance work

The Millennium Bridge in Douglas will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians overnight this week

It's for planned maintenance work and affects the section between Parade Street/Double Corner roundabout and South Quay roundabout.

It'll be shut between 8pm to 6am, from Monday 9 February until no later than 6am Friday 13 February.

The Department of Infrastructure says the Millennium Bridge, in operation since 1999, relies on two large bespoke hydraulic cylinders to lift the structure.

'As part of its long-term maintenance programme, these cylinders are required to be replaced or refurbished after approximately 25 to 30 years of use.

'In February 2025, the first of the original cylinders was removed and replaced with a newly manufactured unit supplied by the bridge’s original specialist engineers in the Netherlands.

'That removed cylinder was then transported to the original manufacturing facility for full refurbishment.

'Next week, the second of the original cylinders will be taken out and replaced with this refurbished unit.

'A staged approach has been used to minimise disruption to bridge operations and manage costs by only requiring the purchase of one new cylinder.

'Once removed, the second original cylinder will also undergo full refurbishment in the Netherlands and will be retained on-Island to provide resilience in the event of future breakdowns and routine maintenance.'

During these periods, no pedestrian or vehicle access will be permitted across the Millennium Bridge.

Drivers are advised to use an alternative route via Lord Street, Bridge Road, and South Quay.

The DOI says working at night will help minimise disruption to commuters and businesses in the city centre.

During the maintenance works, access for vessels to the inner harbour will also be restricted.

The Harbours Division has issued a Notice to Mariners, available online.

The work is being carried out by teams from the Department of Infrastructure’s Highway Services and Harbours Divisions, supported by local crane and haulage contractors.