Richmond Hill will be closed to the majority of traffic in the evenings next week.

The Department of Infrastructure are carrying out work to clear out the road’s surface water gullies and will be closing the road between 6.45pm and 11pm every night from Monday, October 4, till no later than Friday, October 8.

Announcing the closures a Doi statement said: ’As part of its regular scheduled maintenance programme, the Department of Infrastructure is to clear out the surface water gullies on Richmond Hill ahead of the winter months.

’The system here includes beanie kerbs the length of the hill. To clear this system of debris, pressurised water is introduced. This process tends to eject debris into the carriageway from the holes in the kerbs, which could be dangerous to passing road users.

’In order to undertake this work safely the road will be closed from the junction of the A24 Cooil Road (at Fort North roundabout) to the C21 Ballacutchell Road (Mount Murray Back Road) for the duration of the works.

’While the road is closed the Department will also take the opportunity to reinstate white lining that was obliterated by resurfacing work associated with recent drainage improvement works on the hill.

’It is expected that the planned works will be completed in three evenings, but allowance has been made for poor weather (the lining can only be done in dry conditions). If the planned activity cannot take place on a particular evening the closure on that day will not go ahead. It is hoped that the authorised closures for later in the week will not be required.

’Traffic heading south will be diverted from Spring Valley roundabout (aka Fort North) onto the Old Castletown Road.

’Traffic heading north will be diverted onto the Ballacutchell Road (Mount Murray back road). The Ballacutchell Road narrows beyond the entrance to the Mount Murray Driving Range. The road will be made one-way north from this point to its junction with the A24 Cooil Road in order to facilitate free passage of traffic.

’Residents of addresses within the closure site will be afforded access, but they may experience short delays while activity is halted to allow them safe passage.

’Scheduled buses will continue through the work site as normal. Their passage will be co-ordinated with the team’s activities.

’The Department regrets any inconvenience that these diversions may cause, but assure the public that this work is essential to ensure conditions on Richmond Hill are optimised over the winter months and in particular reduces the risk of standing water or ice forming on the road surface.’