Realm works moving ahead as planned

WORK began this week on the 'central plaza' of the public realm scheme.

On Monday, contractors SIAC fenced off an area between the YMCA building and the existing pedestrian crossing on Market Street.

Over the next six weeks the area will be transformed into a pedestrian plaza removing some of the existing parking spaces.

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Following that work the contractors will then move onto the remaining section of the central area for another six weeks' work.

During the 12 week duration Market Street will be reduced to one lane of traffic in both directions and work will begin on a new right turn before Church Place replacing the current turn before the war memorial.

Project manager for SIAC, James Carmody said: "This was the best option to minimise disruption.

"We realise there will be a lot of pain over the coming weeks and there is likely to be a build up of traffic, but it was felt this was the right approach.

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"As a contractor we would have liked to have done the entire central plaza area in the one go. But during the planning phase Roads Service asked that we be sympathetic to the needs of the traffic and those using the town.

"So there will be frustration and gridlock, but we will do all we can to reduce the impact."

The multi-million pound public realm project is almost half way through and SIAC expect the project to be completed on time and within budget around the end of August or early September.

James continued: "The main business interface area has been completed, aside from minor works, which is good news for the town's traders.

"There have been problems during the construction.

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"You can never be sure what your are going to find under the pavement when you open it up no matter how detailed the plans are.

"We have found redundant electrical systems that NIE has had to examine before we could continue, but that's to be expected."

Mr Carmody also said the council's environmental health department was involved when they discovered the remains of an old petrol station's tanks.

He added: "There was a worry for a time that we could not find all the tanks, but that's just an example of the kind of obstacles that are in the way."

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The completed central plaza will include a new paved area which is hoped will be used to host outdoor events and also provide a new location for the town's Christmas tree.

A public address system will be wired into the area along with new trees, feature lighting and benches. As the project nears completion there will be road closures to facilitate essential works.

Work on Edward Street and the junction at North Street will take place during the night time to minimise disruption, although the Roads Service still needs to approve the plan.

James added: "This will be tough in the short term, but there is a long term goal in mind and Lurgan will benefit."

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