NI Water Network Investigations to get underway in Castlewellan and Annsborough
16 August 2024 10:57
NI Water will commence a programme of site investigation works next week (Monday 19th August) on parts of the wastewater network in Castlewellan and Annsborough.
The investigations – which will be carried out by BSG Civil Engineering – will start in the Newcastle Road area of Castlewellan and will involve digging small trial holes at different locations under short, localised lane closures. The series of investigations have been carefully planned to ensure any works in town centre locations are completed ahead of the new school term commencing.
Speaking about the work, NI Water Senior Project Manager, Sean Milligan said: “These important investigation works are being carried out to determine the condition of the existing sewerage network and establish how we can reduce the pressure on the network.
“The initial exploration works – which will also highlight problems in the network – will involve the digging of small trial holes in the following areas during late August and early September:
Newcastle Road, Clarmont Avenue, Wood Grove & Burrenwood Road, Annsborough Park, Ballylough Road, Mill Hill, Circular Road, St. Malachys Crescent, St. Malachys Drive & Main Street.
“Each trial hole will be excavated and reinstated within one day – however in most areas a series of 3 or 4 trial holes will be required. This may involve a short lane closure or a road closure where the road is particularly narrow. Localised traffic management will be implemented around any working area and parking restrictions and pedestrian management may also be required. Our contractor will maintain access for residents and businesses while works are ongoing.
“Normal working hours will be 09:30am to 4:30pm; however, it may be necessary on occasions for work to be undertaken outside of these hours. We would remind the public that all construction sites are dangerous areas for unauthorised persons, especially children, and we would appreciate the co-operation of the public in ensuring that children do not play in or around any site or machinery. The public are advised to stay away from working areas for their own safety.
“NI Water and our project team from McAdam and BSG take this opportunity to thank residents, businesses and the public for their patience and cooperation while we undertake this essential work. We assure you that we will strive to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the investigations in the shortest possible timeframe. We will advise of any improvement works which may be required as a result of these investigations in the future.”
For further information, please email press.office@niwater.com
Notes to editor:
This investigation work will establish if any sections of the combined system can be separated to remove storm (rain) water flows.
Removing stormwater from a combined sewerage system and discharging it directly to a designated watercourse can help prevent the network from becoming overloaded and separating the system where possible, will also ensure that NI Water is not unnecessarily treating stormwater at Annsborough Wastewater Treatment Works.