A one-way closure will be required on the Shore Road at Fortwilliam Park in Belfast this Saturday, 19th October, to facilitate sewer relining works by NI Water.

The works, which will take place near the entrance to the McDonald's overnight, will commence from 11pm with the aim to add a further level of robustness and safeguard the operation of the sewers in the area following previous extensive repairs that were carried out in August.

"Our contractor, Dawson WAM, is currently engaged in an extensive programme of work to repair and reline various sections of the sewerage network along the Shore Road in Belfast," said NI Water Senior Project Manager, Robert McLean.

"The relining work – which is being carried out from existing manholes under short lane closures - will provide a more resilient wastewater network, helping to reduce the likelihood of sewer collapses, blockages and out-of-sewer flooding in the area.

"To safely access the manhole adjacent to the entrance to McDonald's, Dawson WAM will need to implement a one-way closure at Fortwilliam Park. This is currently planned to be in place from 11pm on Saturday 19th October with work expected to be complete on Sunday 20th.

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"The work is weather dependent and should it not proceed this Saturday night then it will be rescheduled for 11pm on Saturday 26th October. Dawson WAM will make every effort to complete the work and reopen the road in the shortest possible timeframe."

For the duration of the one-way closure, access to the McDonald's and all other properties on Shore Road, between the city centre and the fast food restaurant, will be available in a country-bound direction only. For safety reasons, the footpath in front of McDonald's will also need to be closed.

"The work has been planned to commence after the last bus service on Saturday night," said Mr McLean.

"Unfortunately, due to the short closure, all bus stops city-bound between Fortwilliam Park and Nelson Street will not be accessible on the Sunday while work is ongoing. Signage to notify road users is in place and a diversion route for motorists will be clearly signposted."

Commenting on the wider programme of sewer improvements, Mr McLean continued: "The ability to install liners on this sewer from existing manholes has negated the need to excavate and replace pipes along the Shore Road, thus minimising disruption and shortening the overall construction programme.

"To prepare for the relining works, Dawson WAM has carried out repairs to the sewer network, including refurbishing and widening manholes. The liner installation got underway last week and will continue for a number of months along the Shore Road. The traffic management, which is currently in place, will gradually be reduced over the coming weeks as the work progresses."

He added: "NI Water and our project team from AECOM and Dawson WAM would like to thank local businesses, residents and commuters for their patience and cooperation while we undertake this essential sewer improvement work."