Sewer Investigation Work Gets Underway in Belfast City Centre
27 February 2018 16:08
Following recent CCTV survey works on the sewers in the Belfast City Centre area, NI Water has commenced ground investigation works in the Royal Avenue, Donegal Road, and Library Street areas of the city. This work began on the 26th February and will take approximately 14 weeks to complete.
The CCTV survey works identified significant problems with the existing ageing sewerage system, and this phase of ground investigations will help NI Water with the planning of a major Sewer Improvement Project, which is expected to take place later this year in advance of the proposed Belfast Streets Ahead Project.
This work is being carried out in advance of this project and will involve the excavation of a number of trial holes to confirm the location of existing services and assess ground conditions. The locations for these investigation works will include:-
Royal Avenue, Royal Avenue/North Street junction, Union Street/Little Donegal Street junction, Union Street/Library Street junction, Library Street, William Street, Royal Avenue/Kent Street junction, Royal Avenue/Donegall Street junction, and York Street.
In order for the work to be carried out safely and protect the safety of the public, road users and construction workers, it will be necessary to have localised temporary lane closures in place during the works and appropriate traffic management and signage will be in place. Vehicular access will be maintained for the businesses and residents as far as possible and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Parking restrictions will be in place around the working areas.
Some elements of the work will be undertaken during weekdays, and at key locations at the weekend. Working hours will generally be 8.00am – 5.00pm. However, it may be necessary at times for work to be undertaken outside of these hours.
NI Water will continue to liaise with the Department for Infrastructure, as well as Belfast City Centre Management, Translink, and Belfast City Council throughout this programme of work to try to minimise disruption as far as possible. We would also appeal to the public to “stay safe” around these construction areas, particularly ensuring that children do not play in and around the site or machinery. Working areas will have warning signs in place to protect the public from any hazards.
As proud partners of NI Year of Infrastructure 2018, NI Water is helping to raise awareness of how infrastructure underpins our lives. This project is another great example of the importance of maintaining and improving our sewerage infrastructure to help protect the environment. For further information log on to Infra2018.org
NI Water and our contractor GEDA Construction would like to thank the public and local businesses for their patience and co-operation and assure you that we will do everything we can to reduce disruption while we complete this essential investigation work. Customer queries should be directed to Waterline on 03457 440088 quoting “Belfast City Centre Sewer Rehabilitation – Ground Investigation” or email waterline@niwater.com .
ENDS
For further information, please contact NI Water’s Press Office on 02890 354710 or email press.office@niwater.com