A programme of improvements to the sewer network in Castlewellan are due to get underway.

NI Water will lead the works along Dublin Road and Main Street, which will involve both traditional open-cut construction and trenchless (underground) repairs to the existing sewers. Work will begin during the week commencing 13 February 2023 and will last approximately one week. 

Kieran Grant, NI Water Project Manager said: "This essential work – which will strengthen the sewerage network in Castlewellan and help protect against out-of-sewer flooding – will get underway with traditional open cut repairs to sewers on the Dublin Road, opposite The Lodge Cultural & Business Centre, followed by trenchless sewer repair works to the existing sewers on Dublin Road and Main Street. The trenchless repairs will be undertaken from existing manholes and will extend from the area opposite The Lodge Cultural & Business Centre to Lower Square.

"Working hours for this first section of repairs will be from 8am to 5.30pm. During this time a single carriageway lane closure with manned traffic lights will be implemented daily to maintain traffic flow. Stop/Go boards will be used at peak times i.e. 8am to 9.30am and 3.30pm to 5.30pm to help reduce traffic congestion. 

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"Following the work from Dublin Road to Lower Square, a second section of trenchless sewer repairs from existing manholes will extend from Lower Square to No. 77 Main Street. A section of footpath adjacent to No. 77 Main Street will be temporarily closed in order to gain access to the existing manhole. This section of work will be undertaken at night (between 8pm and 6am) in a bid to minimise disruption to businesses. Access to all business and residential properties in the area will be maintained but may be subject to slight delays and parking restrictions may be in place around a working area."

Mr Grant continued: "NI Water and our contractor, AG Wilson Civil Engineering, will make every effort to minimise noise and complete the work in the shortest possible timeframe. It is anticipated that the most disruptive elements of the night-time works will be completed by 11pm. 

"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 the works or machinery. Working areas will have warning signs in place to protect the public from any hazards. The public are advised to stay away from working areas for their own safety.

"NI Water and AG Wilson thank local residents, businesses and the wider public in advance for their patience and cooperation while we undertake this essential work. This project will improve the condition of the existing sewerage system, reducing the likelihood of sewer collapses, blockages and 'out of sewer' flooding."