There's a major water infrastructure project just about to get underway in south Belfast.

Water experts from consultancy firm, WYG are set to assist in the creation of one of the largest water mains in Northern Ireland.

It is part of Northern Ireland Water's (NI Water) £2.4m project to improve water supply across Belfast.

WYG has been appointed as designers to Lagan Construction on the Belfast Cross Town Water Main project

The project involves a 2.8km water main extension between Barnett's Park and the reservoir at Newtownbreda and the lining of 1.1km of 39" steel distributor main along the Annadale Embankment.

Gary Curran, NI Water Project Sponsor said: "NI Water has invested £2.4m in this project to improve the water infrastructure and reduce the risk of leakage in the Belfast area.

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"The scheme will benefit the local community and forms a critical element of strategic water supply between Castor Bay at Lough Neagh and Belfast," he said.

The 900mm diameter water main is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland. Once operational, it will provide the link between Dunore Point Water Treatment Works across the city to Purdysburn and Breda Service Reservoirs.

The scheme involves high pressures, complex valve arrangements, a River Lagan crossing and reconfiguration of reservoir connections, providing the existing and future residents and businesses of East Belfast with surety of supply in accordance with EU Directives.

Ernie Spence, Associate Water Engineer at WYG Ireland added: "This is a fantastic opportunity to work with Lagans and NI Water to the benefit of the wider community and businesses.

"Route selection and design of restraint systems for large diameter pipework operating under high pressure has presented many technical challenges which have been successfully resolved using innovative geotechnical construction methods."

The first pipes were laid recently at Newtownbreda recreational grounds, signalling the beginning of construction work on the project. It is envisaged that all work will be complete and the water main in use by early autumn.

(NS/BMcC)