Wastewater works at Kewaigue to improve Douglas network
Manx Utilities is to start work on a project aimed at improving the Douglas wastewater network by replacing the existing Kewaigue pumping station with a new gravity sewer within the Old Castletown Road and Heron & Brearley Brewery site. Works will commence in April 2025 and is expected to take 23 weeks, with a target completion date of September 2025.
The pumping station was originally constructed in 1987 to serve the Heron & Brearley Distribution Centre, with additional properties connected over the years. Due to restricted access to the site and the limited number of properties linked to the pump station, the replacement installation will address health and safety risks associated with access and reduce running costs by circa £4,000 per year, in addition to avoiding future annual maintenance costs.
The project involves laying approximately 150 metres of new 150mm foul sewer, constructing manholes, reinstating the carriageway to DOI requirements and removal of the pumping station. The depth of the proposed sewer in some locations will be approximately 3.5-4 metres deep and will require trench support and road closure in order to undertake the works safely.
Road Closures and Access
Due to the nature of the work, road closures on Old Castletown Road will be necessary, although kept to a minimum and may be subject to change:
- 3-16 April - Single lane carriageway closure | two-way traffic lights | footpath diversion | scheduled over Easter school holidays to minimise disruption
- 15-23 May - Single lane carriageway closure | two-way traffic lights | the road will be re-opened for TT
- 9-20 June - Single lane carriageway closure | two-way traffic lights
- 23-30 June – Full road closure
- 1-25 July - Single lane carriageway closure | two-way traffic lights
- 25 July-7 August - Full road closure
- 8-28 August - Single lane carriageway closure with two-way traffic lights
Manx Utilities has thanked local residents and road users for their patience and understanding during the necessary road closures and traffic disruptions on Old Castletown Road, recognising that these works impact an important arterial route. The organisation is committed to minimising inconvenience as much as possible whilst the work is completed to improve the Douglas wastewater network.