Contract is ‘good news and willimprove supply’ – NI Water claims

The publicly-owned water company is starting work on the Ballyclare Road on Monday (January 14) and for the duration of the work traffic diversions will be in place.

For the first phase of work traffic will be allowed up the Ballyclare Road to Northcott from the Antrim Road.

However, traffic heading toward Belfast will be diverted along Jubilee Way beside the shopping centre.

And cars will only be allowed to turn right out of Portland Avenue.

During the second phase of the work, between Glencairn Drive and Northcott traffic will be controlled by temporary lights.

A statement from NI Water said: “Consultations have taken place with the Roads Service and the PSNI to establish the best way to keep local traffic disruption to a minimum and allow maximum access throughout the duration of the works.

“However, traffic management, including lane restrictions will be in place, but these will be clearly signposted.

“During this work, there will be no restriction on customers entering business premises as pedestrians and parking can be found at Lilian Bland Community Park.

“NI Water and our contractor will work with traders to co-ordinate deliveries to business premises. Trenchless techniques are being deployed where possible to minimise the length of time on site and disruption in the area.”

It went on: “There has also been consultation with the Glengormley traders’ association to discuss the scope of the project, suitable start dates and various arrangements both generally and specific to individual businesses during the works.

“NI Water will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to complete this work as quickly as possible and sufficient labour resources for this work have been allocated.

“We will endeavour to finish work on each section as soon as is practicably possible.”

The statement concluded: “This work is good news for the local area, as the upgraded water mains will improve the quality, reliability and security of the water supply, while also reducing leakage.

“NI Water’s existing infrastructure is aging and in certain areas, the system does not have the capacity to accommodate an increase in housing or development.

“NI Water and our contractor Lagan Construction would like to thank the public and all the traders for their co-operation and patience while we complete this essential improvement work.

“If you have a query or any special needs that you wish to make us aware of, please contact Waterline on 08457 440088 and quote ‘Lagan Construction Water Mains Rehabilitation’.

“Our ultimate aim is to complete a scheme that will serve the community long after the diggers and workmen have gone.

“NI Water wants to work with the local community to achieve this goal.”