New Balthane Roundabout 'long overdue' say residents at drop in meeting 

The Department of Infrastructure plans to have a one way whilst work is carried out

Work on the new Balthane roundabout is expected to get underway next year.

A drop-in session was held yesterday afternoon for residents in Ballasalla to discuss the latest plans for the junction.

It’s been an issue since plans were put in place for by-pass and the new housing estate in the village was built.

Displays of the new road layout showed there would be two phases to the plans, and that the road will become one way so people will be able to travel north – from Castletown, past the airport and onto Douglas.

But those wanting to go into the south will be diverted onto a different route.

Infrastructure minister Michelle Haywood says the department is looking to start work next year and hopes it will take between six and nine months to complete:

There were mixed views from residents who attended the session.

Lots wanted to see it sorted out, and also had concerns about the flooding that occurs at the roundabout in its current state.

These locals said they welcome the changes:

A couple of business owners from the Balthane Industrial Estate were also in attendance at the meeting.

David Quayle from Athol Garage and Karann Davies who’s a director at Airport Secure Parking said the one-way system to the airport would seriously affect their operations.

They also called on the airport to open a link gate at the industrial estate so access could be maintained: