£4million Investment in the Pipeline for North Belfast

24 February 2014 14:39

NI Water is planning to undertake an extensive programme of improvements in North Belfast, including the construction of a major water pipeline to safeguard water quality and supply and to help reduce the number of burst watermains across the wider area, particularly during the winter months.

Preparation work is currently underway, which includes detailed CCTV surveys of the area. It is anticipated that pipelaying will get underway at the end of February 2014 and will last approximately 9 months. The first section of pipelaying will get underway in the Upper Cavehill Road area, Fortwilliam Golf Course and Downview Avenue. As the scheme progresses, signage will be in place on the surrounding roads affected as necessary.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: “This improvement project is great news for customers.

“It will improve the security of supply and will also have a positive effect on water quality in the North Belfast area. The scheme will also reduce the number of burst watermains across the wider area, particularly over the winter months.

“The £4m investment will provide a welcome boost to the local construction sector. I congratulate Lagan Construction, who have extensive experience of major water infrastructure projects throughout Northern Ireland, on winning the contract.”

Bill Gowdy NI Water Director of Engineering Procurement added:

“As with all work of this nature, there will be some disruption in the area throughout this essential improvement work. NI Water would like to thank local residents and businesses in advance for their patience and cooperation.

“Traffic management will be in place, where necessary and the team will work with the local community as much as possible to reduce disruption. The majority of the work will also be completed using underground “low dig” technology, which reduces the need to open large trenches and will minimise any inconvenience for our customers in the area.

“There may be some delays in the area at peak times and we will continue to update residents on this programme of work.”

Customer queries should be directed to Waterline on 08457 440088. Please quote “Gravity II - North Belfast Trunk Main - Water Improvement Scheme”.