A £500,000 programme to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Sion Mills, County Tyrone, is now underway, led by NI Water's contractor AG Wilson.

The project involves installing a new stormwater pipeline to separate rainwater from the existing combined wastewater network. This upgrade will reduce the risk of localised flooding and improve the network's overall capacity in the area.

Robert McLean, NI Water Senior Project Manager, explained that the new pipeline is being laid to the rear of properties at 104 and 106 Melmount Road, extending towards Sion Mills Baptist Church and along The Willows. A section will also be installed in the grass verge in front of No. 104 Melmount Road, connecting to existing stormwater manholes in The Hawthorns and Daisy Park. Where possible, trenchless techniques will be used for road crossings to minimise disruption.

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To enable sections of the pipelaying and the road crossings, a temporary lane closure will be in place on Melmount Road between The Hawthorns and Daisy Park from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day, starting Monday, October 13. Short lane closures will also be required in The Hawthorns and Daisy Park to complete manhole connections. Road works are expected to finish by Friday, November 14.

Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the project, although some parking restrictions will be necessary. AG Wilson will keep local property owners informed about access, bin collections and deliveries.

Mr McLean reminded the public to stay clear of construction areas, noting that sites and machinery can be hazardous. Warning signs will be in place to ensure safety around the working zones.

NI Water, together with project partners AtkinsRéalis and AG Wilson, thanked residents, businesses and motorists for their cooperation and patience while this essential infrastructure improvement is completed.