NI Water Sewer Improvement Work gets underway in Downpatrick

29 July 2020 15:30

NI Water is scheduled to commence essential sewer improvement work in the Downpatrick area. We anticipate work will get underway during the week commencing 10th August 2020, and will last approximately 5 weeks. It is part of an overall programme of work to improve the existing sewers in Downpatrick, which will enhance the local sewerage infrastructure and reduce the risk of out of sewer flooding.

  
This essential work will involve the repair of existing sewers and will mainly be undertaken using underground trenchless techniques, which will significantly reduce the duration and disruption of the works.  However, it will be necessary to undertake ‘open-dig’ repairs at two locations due to the condition of the existing sewers. The work involved at each location will be of short duration: 1 – 2 days/nights, and we will endeavour to minimise disruption as far as possible at all locations. 
Appropriate traffic management and signage will be in place as the work progresses. The majority of the works will be undertaken during normal working hours. However, to reduce disruption to businesses and the public, some night-time works will be required at key locations. 

The work will take place at various locations around the Downpatrick area, including some of the main streets within the Town Centre.  

Streets affected are as follows: New Bridge Street, Church Street, Bridge Street, Saul Street, Saul Road, Marian Park, Drumlin Park, Scotch Street, Market Street, Market Lane, Stream Street, Racecourse Hill, Ardglass Road, Edward Street, Knocknashinna Road and the Knockchree Road.

In order to undertake any work located on roads safely, it will be necessary to have a short duration lane closure in place. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all locations using temporary traffic controls. Vehicular access for residents/businesses will also be maintained as far as possible but may be subject to slight delays, and pedestrian access will be available at all times. Parking restrictions will be in place around the working areas.
NI Water and our contractor Geda Construction will liaise with any affected businesses/properties. We appreciate that this work is disruptive and would like to thank the public in advance for their patience as we complete these essential improvement works. 

We are all practising social distancing – our priority is to keep customers and colleagues safe. So please keep your distance and our workers will carry on with their essential work for you.

A few key points to remember:
• Remember wipes will clog the sewers and result in blockages and flooding – never flush a wipe. For further information log on to  www.niwater.com/bag-it-and-bin-it/ 

• Beware of Bogus Callers – if you are concerned about the identity of someone at your door, you can call the PSNI non-emergency number ‘101’ where you will have the option of a ‘Quickcheck’ to confirm the caller is from the utility they say they are.

• Do not let children go near work sites or equipment, this can be extremely dangerous. 
For further advice log on to https://www.niwater.com/covid19/   

Information on water supply issues affecting your property are also available 24/7 simply by logging onto http://www.niwater.com/current-service-updates/