Some wonderful weekend news for railway users; Works to renew the twin Manx Electric Railway (MER) tracks at Eskadale near Groudle are ‘progressing well’.
The project involves replacing 600 metres of track, enhancing drainage, and installing new kerbs.
Local resources are being utilised with the over 700 sleepers manufactured on Island and the majority of the 2,000 tons of ballast being made from recycled Manx stone.
According to Gov this aims to reduce the project’s carbon footprint and also benefits the local economy.
The project is “on track” to be completed by the end of February, well ahead of the MER rail services resuming on March 12.
Railway review
A review of the Isle of Man’s heritage rail network has found that it is well run, has received effective investment and makes a significant contribution to the local economy.
Compiled by independent consultants Systra, the report also recommends that the railways should remain in public ownership but that a Board of Directors is formed, providing the basis to operate as an arm’s length company.
Describing the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) as ‘essentially an asset management organisation’, the report points out that is ‘less well placed to manage and develop a visitor attraction’.
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