NI Water has confirmed plans to install vital new wastewater infrastructure in Newry city centre to facilitate a residential development at the former St. Clare's Convent site.

The project, which involves the installation of 125 metres of new pipeline and two manholes between Abbey Way Car Park and High Street, is scheduled to begin next week.

To reduce the impact on local motorists and residents, NI Water will employ trenchless drilling methods for the section of the works crossing Abbey Way. This technique allows for underground installation without the need for extensive road excavations, ensuring that Abbey Way remains open to traffic throughout the duration of the project.

Tom Lester, NI Water Project Manager, explained: "NI Water needs to install around 125m of new pipeline and construct two manholes between Abbey Way Car Park and High Street to provide the necessary wastewater infrastructure to support a new housing development on High Street in Newry. The section across the car park and Abbey Way will be undertaken by trenchless drilling methods. This approach will reduce the level of traffic management and disruption in the area and will ensure Abbey Way remains open to motorists. To facilitate this, drilling pits will be required at Abbey Way Car Park and High Street. Short sections of open-cut pipelaying will also be needed to complete the installation."

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From Monday 26 January, specific traffic management measures will be implemented for approximately four weeks:

• High Street: A one-way closure will be enforced between North Street and Abbey Way. Motorists heading toward Abbey Way will be diverted via Church Street. However, High Street will remain open for traffic travelling from Abbey Way toward High Street, and access to North Street will be maintained from both directions.

• Mill Street: This road will be closed to through traffic at the junction with John Mitchel Place and Hill Street. The contractor, BSG-Phace, will coordinate directly with any property owners whose access is within the closure zone. Pedestrian access will not be affected.

• Abbey Way Car Park: While access remains open, a small number of parking bays will be cordoned off to facilitate the pipelaying works.

The project team, including representatives from AtkinsRéalis and BSG-Phace, has urged the public to remain vigilant around the construction zones.

Mr Lester added: "We would like to remind the public that construction sites are dangerous areas for unauthorised persons, especially children, and we would appreciate your co-operation in ensuring that children do not play in or around the site or machinery. Working areas will have warning signs in place to protect the public from any hazards. The public are advised to stay out of these working areas for their own safety. In advance of work getting underway, NI Water and our project team from AtkinsRéalis and BSG-Phace take this opportunity to thank local residents, businesses and the wider public for their patience and cooperation while we carry out this essential work to serve this residential development on High Street. We assure you that we will do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the work in the shortest possible timeframe."