As you may know NI Water has recently begun work on refurbishing and upgrading the water mains that run along Balmoral Avenue. It is anticipated that this work will continue for approximately 5 weeks and I have been in contact with NI Water and the contractors to urge a speedy completion of the project.
Unfortunately, as with any project there may be some impact on local residents. In order to reduce disruption and complete the work as quickly as possible, continuous day and night works will take place over a 24-hour period from now until approximately the 10th of August.
During this time we may see some overnight lane closures however noise levels will be closely scrutinised and there will be a traffic management programme to ensure safety and to minimise disruption. It is anticipated that these overnight lane closures will be completed in sections between Harberton Avenue and Balmoral Mews.
Balmoral Avenue is a busy road and already suffers from unacceptable levels of congestion and I have highlighted this to NI Water and the contractors. The contractors have assured me that when possible they will adopt a ‘no dig’ approach, which reduces the need for large open trenches in the road.
However even where it is necessary to undertake excavation residents should not be impeded from accessing their homes. I have asked that vehicular access is continuously maintained and have also requested that additional efforts are made to ensure adequate provision for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and those with buggies and prams.
I have also requested that residents are continuously kept informed, water disruptions are kept to a minimum, that streetlights, telephone wires etc are protected and that on completion of the works the road surface is restored to a high standard.
If you have any queries or comments, you can contact NI Water on: 03457 440088 quoting ‘Farrans Construction, Water Mains Rehabilitation Project’ or contact me directly on 078 4677 0144.