Section of A1 to Close for Tree Felling

Drivers heading between Peel and Douglas might want to take a deep breath (or several) next weekend, because a stretch of the A1 at Union Mills is closing for two full days so some dangerously wobbly trees can be chopped down.

The road will be shut to vehicles and pedestrians on Saturday and Sunday (December 6 and 7), between 9am and 5pm each day.

The DoI says the work is being done by a private contractor for a private landowner, adding that the weekend closure is meant to ‘minimise overall impact’, especially on school and commuter traffic.

Some have questioned whether this closure, combined with the temporary lights by Braddan School, might mean it’s a bit chaotic, especially for the ambulance service.

A spokesperson said: ‘The trees are in a dangerous condition and are being taken down in order that they do not fall on the carriageway. The landowner is acting in a responsible manner.’

They added that emergency services get advance notice of closures so they can plan around them, which is comforting.

The rest of us will be planning how early we need to leave for absolutely anything.

If you’ve got questions, the DoI would like to gently remind you these works aren’t theirs, so please direct all enquiries to Watling Streetworks on 07495 997332.