Businesses on Peel Road in Douglas claim trade has been hit by the ongoing major roadworks in the area.
The road reconstruction on Peel Road is one of the biggest projects seen in the Isle of Man in recent years.
And with the disruption expected to last until this time next year, retailers in the area have admitted that business is being affected.
Robert Byers, co-owner of Waltons, said: ‘It’s fair to say we have experienced a downturn in trade, but it was expected.’
Keith Inskip, who runs the franchise at McDonald’s, agreed. He said: ‘We have seen a downturn in our takings unfortunately as we have been directly affected by the roadworks.
‘However, we have been able to avoid job losses through good business planning from the moment we heard that the roadworks were coming to the area.
‘My main message is that McDonald’s in Douglas is open for business as usual.’
The £4.3 million project to reconstruct the ‘switchback’ Peel Road, which began in March, was originally expected to take 80 weeks to complete. Work will switch next week to the inbound section of road between Belmont Hill and Circular Road.
Director of highways Richard Pearson said: ‘The project is still progressing well.
‘We remain ahead of the 80 week programme. However, it is still too soon to confirm an early completion date as we have a Manx winter to work through and significant excavation remains which always has the potential to throw up unforeseen issues.
‘Significant sections of the Pulrose junction and the outbound lane have been completed. A substantial length of the new drainage kerb has been laid and a new drainage crossing has been installed at Belmont Hill.
‘This 450mm diameter pipe will improve the drainage of the whole catchment including alleviating flooding on Peel Road itself.
‘Work on the inbound section of road between Belmont Hill and Circular Road will commence next week. From a driver’s perspective the number of traffic lanes will not change, however traffic will be switched to run on some of the new sections of road while the remainder of the old road is reconstructed.
‘Towards the end of the month, the length of road controlled by temporary traffic lights will be shortened, allowing for a slightly improved overall traffic flow.
‘All businesses remain open as usual. The department would like to thank residents, businesses and the travelling public for their continued patience.’
