The electricity infrastructure across Banbridge is to undergo extensive modernisation thanks to nearly £1 million investment.

These utility infrastructure upgrades are being delivered by NIE Networks ahead of Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's Public Realm Scheme.

Approximately 3.2km of low voltage cable will be laid with most of the underground cables located in the public footway. Where required, existing older services to individual premises will be replaced and three existing substations will be upgraded and a new substation will be established in Downshire Place Car Park. Work will begin at the end of May, with the full project expected to reach completion by the end of December 2022.


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The project will be divided into smaller phases. Starting at the Newry Road roundabout, the work will then continue along Newry Street taking in Linenhall Street and Old Kenlis Street, before moving to Bridge Street and finishing at Church Square.


Work will be completed within one footpath, before moving to the opposite footpath in each work zone, to help minimise the impact to businesses, traffic flow and members of the public.


It will be business as usual for all traders and shoppers. Access will be maintained to all premises at all times.


Stephen Glasgow, Project Manager for NIE Networks, said: "This project is critical for ensuring the continued safe and reliable operation of the electricity infrastructure in the Banbridge area for generations to come. Reliability issues can occur with older electricity cables and parts of the network in the area are approximately 60 years old.


"Our investment in Banbridge will ensure the continued resilience and performance of the network and deliver the high standard of service our customers expect.

"It is very important to us that all businesses within Banbridge are kept informed of our plans and we have been listening to customer feedback. As well as engaging with local authorities we have also been working closely with the Department of Infrastructure Road's Service to ensure traffic disruption is kept to an absolute minimum."