Kirk Michael roadworks in response from Isle of Man TT competitors

Resurfacing works of the TT Course through Kirk Michael village are taking place in response to feedback from race competitors.

The Department of Infrastructure is confident that the improved surface will be ready in time for the TT.

And it took to social media sites earlier this week to allay concerns of residents that the work had been left too late.

Following discussions with TT organisers ACU Events Ltd, preparation works started about a week ago, with the resurfacing getting under way on Monday. It is due to be completed by Friday.

DoI civil maintenance manager Alan Hardinge explained that a different application was being used to the traditional tar and chip.

Micro-asphalt is applied in two layers.

The first is a levelling course to remove the undulations. Mr Hardinge admitted this ‘doesn’t look very pretty’.

The final layer is then added, which he said bedded in ‘fairly quickly’.

The section will be monitored by the course inspection officer, and if the road needs sweeping before or during the event this work will be carried out.

He said that both tar and chip and micro-asphalt were both temperature dependent for their application.

‘That’s why we have to wait until close to the event. If we experience lower temperatures the material doesn’t cure quickly enough.’



.