NI Water is due to commence a £400,000 programme of work in the Fanad Drive, Creggan Heights and Blighs Lane area later this month to improve the wastewater infrastructure serving this part of the city.
The work involves the installation of a dedicated stormwater pipeline to remove storm (rain) water from the combined wastewater network to help reduce the risk of out of sewer flooding and provide some localised network capacity.
Speaking about the work and the required traffic management, Robert McLean, NI Water Senior Project Manager said: “NI Water has been undertaking investigations on the combined sewerage network across Northern Ireland to assess where the system can be separated to reduce the risk of out of sewer flooding, provide more capacity and help support localised development in the short term.
“The work planned for the Fanad Drive/Creggan Heights area will include the installation of approximately 300m of new stormwater pipe and the construction of 10 new manholes between No. 50 Fanad Drive and Glassagh Park (off Blighs Lane). Connections to existing infrastructure within Swilly Gardens will also form part of the project.
“Pipelaying is planned to start on Monday 20th October 2025 and will last approximately 13 weeks overall, including two non-working weeks for the Christmas break. These works have been coordinated with the Housing Executive to ensure there is no impact to their planned programme of improvements in the area.
“To protect the safety of the public and construction workers, our contractor, CivCo, will have a detailed traffic management plan in place throughout the programme of works. The expected work durations and the associated traffic management requirements in each location are as follows:
Section 1: Fanad Drive (20th Oct. for approx. 4 weeks): A road closure will be in place from No. 50 Fanad Drive to the junction of Creggan Heights. A signed local diversion route will be in place. Access to Swilly Gardens will be via the diversion route during this work. Temporary traffic light signalling will be in place on Swilly Gardens while connections are being made.
Section 2: Creggan Heights (10th Nov. for approx. 6 weeks): A road closure will be in place from No. 42 Creggan Heights (junction of Fanad Drive) to No. 88 Creggan Heights (junction of Blighs Lane). Work will start at the junction of Fanad Drive and the road will be reopened in sections as the works progress.
Section 3: Blighs Lane – (15th Dec. for approx. 3 weeks, not including Christmas break): A lane closure will be in place from the junction of Creggan Heights to the junction of Glassagh Park. Access will be maintained for residents and other road users with temporary traffic lights in place to control traffic flow.
“NI Water’s project team has carried out an extensive letter drop and communications exercise in the area and will continue to liaise with residents as the work progresses. Signage will be in place to direct motorists and every effort will be made to minimise disruption and complete the work in the shortest possible timeframe.
“We would take this opportunity to highlight that construction sites are dangerous areas for unauthorised persons, especially children, and we would appreciate your co-operation in ensuring that children do not play in or around the site or machinery. Working areas will have warning signs in place to protect the public from any hazards. The public are advised to stay out of these working areas for their own safety.
“NI Water and our project team from AtkinsRéalis and CivCo thank residents, businesses and motorists for their patience and cooperation while we undertake this essential work to deliver environmental improvements and support new development.”
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For further information, please email press.office@niwater.com
