NI Water's contractor, BSG, has continued to make progress on the installation of a new large diameter sewer by tunnelling under Meadow Lane as part of a £7.8 million wastewater upgrade in Portadown.

The next phase of open-cut pipelaying works is set to begin on Monday 10 June. In order to facilitate these works the section of Meadow Lane at the entrance to Portadown Boat Club will be closed to through traffic for approximately four weeks.

NI Water's Project Manager, Lisa Hughes said: "Our contractor has been making good progress on installing the new large diameter sewer by tunnelling under Meadow Lane and has successfully completed the first of four sections of open-cut works between Tavanagh Avenue and the new wastewater pumping station adjacent to Meadow Lane East Car Park.

"The next phase of open-cut works will take place in the vicinity of the entrance to Portadown Boat Club. To facilitate this work, Meadow Lane will be closed to through traffic between the entrance to Portadown Boat Club and the entrance to the health centre service yard from Monday 10th June to Sunday 7th July.

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"During this time, vehicular access will be available from Bridge Street to properties along Meadow Lane, up to and including Portadown Boat Club.

"Vehicular access to the health centre, the service entrance of the health centre and the Baptist Church car park will be via Thomas Street – Tavanagh Avenue. A diversion route for motorists will be signposted. Pedestrian access will be available throughout the work, although some pedestrian management may be required.

"Overall, 620m of large diameter sewer – which will increase the capacity of the network and help reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding in the area – is being laid by tunnelling under Meadow Lane. Around two thirds of the new pipe is now in place and the use of the trenchless (tunnelling) methods has helped considerably to minimise disruption in the area.

"Going forward, a further two sections of open-cut excavations – one at Portmore Street and one at Meadow Lane East Car Park – will be required to complete the connections. These subsequent open-cut excavations are currently scheduled to be commence in August and NI Water will advise local stakeholders on traffic management details once approved.

"In the meantime, NI Water and our project team from BSG and McAdam once again thank residents, businesses and road users for their ongoing patience and cooperation while we continue with the tunnelling work and these essential connections. As always, every effort will be made to complete the open-cut pipelaying work in the shortest possible time frame."

BSG is making significant strides on the new wastewater pumping station, which includes the construction of a 20-metre diameter stormwater storage tank. Set for completion in 2025, this project is part of a larger £7.8 million NI Water initiative aimed at reducing the risk of out-of-sewer flooding, supporting local development and delivering extensive environmental improvements in the Portadown area.