NI Water’s multi-million-pound programme of work to upgrade the wastewater network in Killinchy is progressing well, with the next phase due to begin at Whiterock Bay later this month.

This phase will include laying a new pipeline along a short section of Whiterock Bay, adjacent to Strangford Yacht Club, as well as improvements to the nearby pumping station.

To allow the pipelaying work to be carried out safely, Whiterock Bay will need to be closed to through traffic between Strangford Lough Yacht Club and the junction with Whiterock Road from Wednesday 21st October for around 4-6 weeks.

Sean Milligan, NI Water Senior Project Manager, said: “The work at Whiterock Bay forms part of NI Water’s ongoing programme of improvements in the Killinchy area to upgrade the local wastewater network and provide environmental protection.

“In mid-October, our contractor Murphy Dawson WAM will mobilise to Whiterock Bay to upgrade a section of the gravity sewer and provide additional stormwater storage at the pumping station. This work will help reduce flood risk and protect the environmental integrity of Strangford Lough.

“Due to the depth of the gravity sewer and the narrowness of the road at Whiterock Bay, Dawson WAM will need to implement a road closure to carry out the pipelaying element of work in the safest possible manner.

“The pipelaying is expected to be completed within around 4-6 weeks and during the closure, an approved diversion route will be signposted for motorists via Whiterock Bay, Ballydorn Road, Killinakin Road, Ardmillan Road, Killinchy Road, Comber Road, Beechvale Road, Whiterock Road. Access to business and residential properties will be maintained from either side of the closure.

“Once the new pipeline is in place, a localised lane closure on Whiterock Bay may be required periodically while construction at Whiterock Wastewater Pumping Station continues. This work is expected to run until February 2027.

“NI Water and our project partners, Murphy Dawson WAM and Tetra Tech, thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience and cooperation. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and complete the work in the shortest possible timeframe.

“The upgrades at Whiterock Bay, along with a new pumping station at Inisharoan and a new pumping main between Inisharoan and Killinchy Wastewater Treatment Works, will provide the Killinchy area with a modern, resilient wastewater network that is better able to cope with heavier rainfall and offer greater protection for the surrounding environment.”

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For further information, please email press.office@niwater.com