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Traffic diversions will be in force from next Monday 26 January as NI Water prepare to install new wastewater pipes to serve the housing development being built on the site of the old St Clare's Convent and school.
Work on around 125m of new pipeline between Abbey Way Car Park and High Street is due to start on Monday 26 January, with road closures and diversions in place throughout the construction period. NI Water Project Manager Tom Lester said the company will be using trenchless underground drilling methods for much of the work to keep disruption to a minimum.
The drilling approach means Abbey Way will stay open to traffic, though small sections of traditional open-cut pipelaying will still be needed. Drilling pits will be set up at Abbey Way Car Park and High Street, and two new manholes will be constructed as part of the project.
A one-way closure will be in place on High Street between North Street and Abbey Way. Traffic heading towards Abbey Way will be diverted via Church Street. High Street will remain open to traffic travelling from Abbey Way towards High Street. Access to North Street will be available from both directions.
Mill Street is being closed to through traffic at its junction with John Mitchel Place and Hill Street. The contractor BSG-Phace will contact anyone whose property access is directly affected by the closure, though pedestrians will be able to get through at all times.
A small number of spaces at Abbey Way Car Park will be taken up by the works, but the car park itself will stay open. Diversion signs will be put up across the area and the contractor has promised to lift traffic restrictions as soon as possible.
Mr Lester warned parents to keep children away from the construction site. "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," he said.
NI Water, AtkinsRéalis and BSG-Phace have thanked residents and businesses in advance for their patience during the essential infrastructure work, promising to complete it as quickly as possible.
