Some traffic disruption is expected in Lurgan over the coming weeks as NI Water begin pipelaying work to serve two new housing developments.
The work on the Annesborough Road will begin next week and is expected to last between 16-20 weeks.
It will involve the installation of new sewers and the construction of associated manholes, and will be carried out under a lane closure.
The pipelaying will affect the section of Annesborough Road between The Grange and Annesborough Industrial Estate.
A section of new pumping main that NI Water needs to instal has been programmed to coincide with these works to reduce further impact on Annesborough Road in the future.
Robert McLean, NI Water senior project manager, said: “NI Water and our contractor, AG Wilson Civil Engineering, have worked to develop a design for this work that will minimise disruption for businesses, residents and road users.
“Through the use of trenchless techniques, we will be able to instal these new pipelines under a lane closure. A three-way traffic light system will be in operation to manage the flow of traffic.
“The use of these innovative methods of construction will avoid the need for a road closure on Annesborough Road and will help to vastly reduce commuter disruption.
“However, given the need for three-way traffic lights, we would still advise motorists to allow extra time for their journeys during this work.”
He said normal working hours will be between 7.30am and 5pm but it may be necessary on occasions for work to be undertaken outside of these hours.
Vehicular access will be maintained for residents and businesses throughout this work, but could be subject to delay. Pedestrian access will be available at all times.
He added: “We would take this opportunity to highlight that construction sites are dangerous areas for unauthorised persons, especially children, and we would appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that children do not play in or around any site or machinery.
“Working areas will have warning signs in place to protect the public from any hazards. The public are advised to stay out of these working areas for their own safety.
“NI Water and AG Wilson would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we work to install this new infrastructure to serve local housing developments and upgrade the local wastewater network.
“We assure you that we will strive to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the work in the shortest possible time frame.”
