Work is recommencing on a storm sewer project to serve a new housing development in Newtownabbey.

Led by NI Water, the project began in September 2022, but work was postponed to facilitate a roads scheme and reduce disruption in the area. 

Work is now underway on a new storm sewer on a section of Mallusk Road and Hightown Road, and will take approximately eight weeks to complete. It will involve installing the remaining section of a 640m-long storm water pipe on a short section of Mallusk Road and along the Hightown Road to the new housing development located adjacent to Glen Manor Avenue on Hightown Road.

Delivering an update on the project, NI Water Project Manager, Ian O'Hare commented: "The NI Water project team appreciate this work is disruptive and recently held a positive meeting with local representatives to update them on traffic management arrangements.

"Working hours have been scheduled to ensure that this essential project - required to support the development of over 120 houses in the area - can be completed as quickly as possible.

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"In order to carry out the work as safely as possible, a temporary lane closure is in place around the pipelaying area. As the works progress along the Mallusk and Hightown Roads, two-way traffic will be maintained with the use of temporary signals. 

"In a bid to minimise the impact of these works, our contractor, AG Wilson is undertaking the pipelaying in short sections and reinstating each section of trench as they move along. While it is hoped that this approach will help to minimise traffic queues, we would advise the public to allow extra time for their journeys during this work or consider an alternative route. 

"Normal working hours will be 7.30am to 5pm; however, longer working hours will be employed where possible in a bid to complete the work in a shorter timeframe.

"Signage is in place and letter drops were issued to local residents, businesses and schools. Our contractor will continue to liaise with local stakeholders regarding access arrangements as the pipelaying progresses."

O'Hare added: "NI Water would take this opportunity to remind the public that construction sites are dangerous areas for unauthorised persons, especially children, and we would appreciate your co-operation in ensuring that children do not play in or around any site or machinery. The working area is secured and fenced off from members of the public at all times for public safety reasons.

"NI Water and its project team, Atkins and AG Wilson, would like to thank the local community and wider public for their continued patience and cooperation while we progress this essential work to support new housing in the Newtownabbey area. We will strive to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the work in the shortest possible timeframe."