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Work on New Castletown Road would result in nine-month closure

Proposals on hold until DoI secures funding from Treasury

Work to improve a busy route between Douglas and the south would likely result in a nine-month road closure.

The A5 New Castletown Road, between Ballasalla and Santon, is the only part of the Island's strategic routes not to have been redeveloped in recent times.

Plans to reconstruct the highway have been in the pipeline for some time, but the project is on hold until the Department of Infrastructure secures funding.

Minister Chris Thomas says the work needs to happen:

Meanwhile, it's said the cost of delaying work to improve the road could be 'huge'.

That's the fear of Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse, who says pausing the project could damage the Island's reputation.

While the Department of Infrastructure still needs to secure funding for the work, Mr Moorhouse is keen to see the scheme progress:

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