Work is to commence to install two new pipelines for a new housing development in Kilkeel.

The pipelaying work will start on Monday, 24 July, NI Water has confirmed.

Initially, the work will be laying pipes across the Newcastle Road, which is situated next to St. Columban's Primary School. Subsequently, the pipelaying will continue through private lands towards the new development area.

The Newcastle Road – between Council Road and Carrigenagh Road - will be closed from 7pm Monday 24 July to 7am on Thursday 27 July, with work continuing for the remainder of the week under a lane closure with traffic lights.

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Tom Lester, NI Water Project Manager said: "Two new pipelines are needed to serve new housing in the Sheemore Crescent area of Kilkeel. Due to the extensive excavations required on the first section of Newcastle Road, our appointed contractor, Deane Public Works Ltd, will need to close the road adjacent to St. Columban’s Primary School for a maximum of three nights. We have programmed this work to be undertaken between 7pm and 7am in a bid to minimise the disruption to local businesses and residents. We will strive to complete the work in the shortest timescale possible and hopefully within 1-2 nights.

"During the night-time closure, local access around the working area for cars and light traffic will be provided via Council Road and Carrigenagh Road and vice versa. Access to businesses on Newcastle Road will be maintained via Carrigenagh Road. HGV traffic should access Kilkeel via Rostrevor as per the route signposted.

"NI Water and Deane Public Works will strive to complete the work on Newcastle Road in the shortest possible timeframe. During these works we would advise motorists to allow extra time for their journeys."