Douglas Bridge

Looking north across the bridge

Douglas Bridge carries the A33 across the River Douglas at the western end of Douglas inner harbour. As one of only two bridges over the river in the harbour area, it is very busy, particularly when the ferry comes in, as it provides one of the quickest routes to the south of the island. The bridge is a two span concrete structure which stands just above a weir, meaning that the river below is not navigable. It was built in 1937 to replace an older, narrower structure, and is typical of the concrete bridges of its time with two square spans topped with concrete parapets in a loosely art deco style. The parapets are formed of columns and copings over the spans, but solid concrete blocks topped with street lamps over the pier and abutments. The downstream parapet has, however, been removed to allow the bridge to be slightly widened on the south bank where it approaches a mini roundabout. The parapet on this side has been replaced with angled metal railings.

The roadway over the bridge is a wide S2 carriageway between pavements. The downstream pavement obviously tapers at the south end, where the road flares out to provide two turning lanes for the roundabout. The slight widening of the bridge at this corner facilitates the provision of these lanes.

Junction

At the south end of the bridge, the A33 terminates on the A41, South Quay, at its junction with the A6, Old Castletown Road. The junction is therefore a three arm mini roundabout, set tight against the straight harbour wall. The A41 also has two approach lanes for turning traffic, but the A6 does not, perhaps because the vast majority is turning left towards Douglas town centre, and is rarely held up, but mainly because there isn't enough room between the buildings.