Four designs are being looked at by the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) to replace Old Laxey Bridge.
The department has released sketches of the four proposals being considered after storms in December resulted in the bridge collapsing.
The designs can be viewed by the public today (Tuesday) in the boardroom at the Laxey Village Commissioners office on New Road between 11am and 7pm.
Officers from the DoI will be in attendance from 11am to 1pm and again from 5pm to 7pm to explain the concepts and respond to any questions.
A DoI spokesman said: ‘The department is seeking the views of the people of Laxey on the design for a bridge to replace the one that was destroyed in the recent floods.
‘This community feedback will be considered during the preparation of the department’s planning application.
‘Responses provided during the public display will be noted by the department.
‘In addition, comments can be emailed to laxeybridge@gov.im or submitted in writing to the Director of Highway Services, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal, Douglas.’
Turning to the designs, the spokesman said: ‘Option 1a is a simple, modern design.
‘Option 1b is similar to 1a, but recognises the importance of Old Laxey and its conservation area status and shows stone cladding to create the appearance of a single arch.
‘Option 2 takes inspiration from the “pepper pot” lighthouses at the harbour and from the boats moored there.
‘Option 3 shows a bridge based on the concept of Laxey Wheel. Options 2 and 3 include a small seating area in the middle of the bridge.’
All four options feature a pedestrian footway.
The department’s proposal will be for two-way traffic across the bridge – but on a single lane for vehicles. This means that if you are approaching the bridge from one direction and a vehicle has already started to cross from the other side, you will have to wait until the bridge is clear before driving across.
The spokesman added: ‘This is part of the DoI’s proposal to give pedestrians greater priority, to reduce traffic speeds and reduce the number of vehicles that use Old Laxey as a shortcut through the village.’
Source: IOM Today
