A one-way traffic system will be in operation in the Meadow Lane and Tavanagh Avenue areas of Portadown from Monday 21st August – Friday 25th August to facilitate ground investigation work by NI Water.

The work is being carried out to assess ground conditions as part of the ongoing £7.8m Meadow Lane Wastewater Pumping Station (WwPS) and Network Upgrade in the town. 

Speaking about the work, NI Water’s Project Manager, Lisa Hughes said: “This essential ground investigation work will involve the excavation of narrow trenches at locations between Tavanagh Avenue and the entrance to Portadown Health & Care Centre. The investigations, which we expect to be completed within 5 days, will help establish ground conditions and location of existing services to facilitate the installation of a new sewer due to be installed next year as part of the ongoing NI Water wastewater improvements.

“To ensure the ground investigation work can be carried out as safely as possible, it will be necessary to implement a temporary lane closure from Thomas Street to the entrance of Portadown Health & Care Centre, with a one-way system in place to manage traffic flow. The temporary lane closure will be in effect from Monday 21st August until Friday 25th August between the hours of 09:30 and 16:30. A diversion route for motorists travelling east from Thomas Street will be via Thomas Street, Hanover Street, A27 Church Street, Market Street, High Street, Castle Street, Bridge Street, Bridge Street South, Meadow Lane and Tavanagh Avenue.

“Access to Tavanagh Avenue, Portadown Health & Care Centre and Baptist Church Hall car park will also be via the diversion. A letter drop has taken place to residents and businesses around the works area and signage will be in place to direct road users and pedestrians. 

“NI Water and our project team from McAdam and BSG have programmed this ground investigation work to take place during the school holidays in a bid to minimise disruption.

“We would take this opportunity to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience and cooperation while we undertake this important work. Every effort will be made to complete the work in the shortest possible time frame.”

The project team will liaise with stakeholders in advance of any pipelaying works getting underway in the area as part of the Meadow Lane WwPS and Network Upgrade, which includes the ongoing construction of a new pumping station adjacent to Meadow Lane east car park. Once complete in 2025, the wider £7.8 million NI Water project will reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding, support local development and deliver extensive environmental improvements in the Portadown area.

Ends

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

Notes to editor:

PHOTO CAPTION:

Aerial photo showing construction works on a new stormwater storage tank as part of the NI Water upgrades being carried out at Meadow Lane WwPS