NI Water invests £5M to improve sewage in Belfast

by Gráinne Connolly

NI Water is currently tunneling underground in Belfast, as it's working on a £5 million project to improve the sewerage infrastructure in parts of the city.

Work's being carried out in the Ormeau Avenue, Bruce Street and Sandy Row areas. 

Some of the sewers within this area date back to the early 1900's and are in very poor condition. 

NI Water says they urgently need upgraded and once complete, this investment will reduce the risk of out of sewer flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. 

Environmental pollution will also be reduced and the scheme will significantly improve the water quality in the River Lagan. 

By choosing the method of tunneling, it reduces the impact of the works within the busy area of the City and minimises disruption to business, residents and thousands of daily commuters. 

A spokesperson for NI Water said: 

"Work is progressing well at the new Wastewater Pumping Station site on Hardcastle Street and Phase 1 of the pipe laying is complete on Adelaide Street, with work now underway on Linenhall Street.

"It is anticipated that all work on Linenhall Street will be completed by the end of August 2018.

"During this time, a one-way closure will be in place Southbound between Clarence Street and Ormeau Avenue. A diversion route will be clearly signposted and parking may be restricted during the works."

There will be a single lane closure in place on the Dublin Road this weekend 15th – 18th June from 7pm on Friday to 7am on Monday. This will affect the left turning lane from Ormeau Avenue as far as the junction with Bruce Street.

Other sections of work are also ongoing on Maryville Street, Ormeau Road and Bankmore Square with localised traffic management in place.

Further pipe laying works are programmed to take place on the Dublin Road from mid-July until the end of August 2018.

For safety reasons, it will be necessary to have a one-way closure in place over a short section of the Dublin Road between Bedford Street/Ormeau Avenue and Bankmore Street, where city bound traffic will be diverted. These works have been planned during the summer months to help minimise disruption.