Derry road works paused after traffic chaos brought city to a standstill

Roadworks in the Waterside area have paused following yesterday's traffic chaos that seen the city come to a standstill.

Yesterday's scenes coincided with the first day of the annual Foyle Cup which brings an influx of people and traffic into the city.

NI Water confirmed that a number of its operations involving roadworks are to be paused after the Foyle Cup organisers and Derry politicians raised concerns over “chaotic” scenes and gridlocked roads.

The tournament organisers on Monday urged politicians to step in and lobby for lane restrictions to be lifted during the week-long tournament.

An NI Water spokesperson this morning confirmed that several of its operations will be halted this week.

An NI Water spokesperson said: “NI Water is laying new wastewater infrastructure on Madam’s Bank Road to support new development in the city, with sewer improvements also planned to get underway this week on Queens Quay. The projects have been scheduled to take place – as far as possible - during the summer months to minimise disruption to school traffic, and all traffic management is in line with the road permits issued by DfI Roads.

“Following the cessation of works last week on Madam’s Bank Road to accommodate The Open golf tournament, and the postponement of work on Queens Quay this week to facilitate the Foyle Cup parade, we have taken on board the latest concerns regarding recent traffic disruption and have been liaising with our contractors to determine what measures can be put in place at this stage to alleviate the congestion.

“NI Water can confirm that pipelaying has been stopped on Madam’s Bank Road for the remainder of this week. As of early Tuesday morning, traffic management on Madam’s Bank Road will be reduced to one lane around where the road has already been excavated for the new pipe. This will leave two lanes on Madam’s Bank Road, on the approach to Culmore Road Roundabout, open to traffic.

"Traffic management will also be removed from Culmore Road and Foyle Bridge for the remainder of this week in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. Pipelaying work will recommence on Monday 28th July with the necessary traffic management reinstated.

“We will confirm later today [Tuesday 22nd July] if the work on Queens Quay can be further postponed.

“NI Water would like to thank our contractors for changing their work plans at short notice. We also wish to advise that the postponement of these projects could push the completion of works further into September which may result in traffic disruption at the start of the school term.”

The Foyle Cup said they have been informed that from Tuesday morning, there will be “no restrictions on Culmore Road or Foyle Bridge, and only one lane will be closed on Madams Bank Road (where the road has already been excavated)”.

“Today’s traffic situation at the Foyle Cup, was indeed hectic and we'd like to thank everybody for their patience and understanding as we all know this tournament is about giving our kids a truly wonderful experience.

“The situation, particularly around City of Derry Rugby Club, was very stressful for everyone involved. We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the volunteers at the Rugby Club who did a fantastic job managing the flow with the challenges facing them,” the Foyle Cup team added as they issued instructions for Tuesday to “help improve traffic flow and ensure everyone’s safety”.

They advised that all Foyle Cup traffic must use the inside lane when entering the Rugby Club, and that the middle crossover lane will be closed, and all vehicles must turn left when exiting the grounds.

“Official Traffic Management Personnel will be in attendance – please follow their directions at all times.

“Please note the following procedures for Tuesday: No parking on the dual carriageway – Vehicles parked on either side of the dual carriageway pose a serious health and safety risk, and we have asked PSNI to ticket anyone parked there. No parking on Judges Road – This is a residential area. Vehicles may be removed if parked here.

“We kindly remind all visitors that City of Derry Rugby Club is a private facility and has made a significant investment in preparing their grounds for this tournament, and we very much appreciate their reaching out to another sport. Please respect their property and buildings throughout your visit.

“Rugby Club Car Park – The on-site car park will be open and operating at a cost of £2 per car (CASH ONLY).

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation – and best of luck to all teams taking part in the Foyle Cup!”