Essential sewer improvements prompt overnight road closures on Derry's Strand Road

Preparatory work for the next phase of the Culmore Trunk Sewer relining will begin this evening (Monday, October 20), NI Water has confirmed.

Contractor GRAHAM is scheduled to conduct overnight manhole repairs on Derry's Strand Road between October 20 and 24, with a larger, two-week relining phase to follow starting in early November. Both stages of the project are planned to minimize disruption ahead of the city's Halloween festivities.

Explaining the programme of work, Robert McLean, NI Water Senior Project Manager said: “The next phase of relining work is scheduled to take place in the Strand Road area. In preparation for the relining works getting underway in early November, GRAHAM need to carry out some improvements to existing manholes in the area.

“These have been programmed for the week commencing October 20 ahead of the annual Halloween celebrations.

“To undertake the manhole works as safely as possible, Strand Road will be closed between Clarendon Street and Queens Quay Roundabout each night from Monday, October 20 between 7.00pm and 6.00am. During this time, traffic will be diverted along Lower Clarendon Street and Queens Quay.

“All traffic management will be removed from the area by Friday, October 24 and will be reinstated at 7.00pm on Monday, November 3 to facilitate the specialist relining works. The relining element of the work will require the same closure on Strand Road, from Clarendon Street to Queens Quay Roundabout, each night between 7.00pm and 6.00am. The relining work should be completed within two weeks.”

“The work on Strand Road is part of a major programme of NI Water investment to upgrade the wastewater network serving the city, which has already seen over 1,100 metres of the Culmore Trunk Sewer relined between Foyle Road and Queens Quay.

“The relining works will strengthen the sewerage network to support future development in the city and help protect against sewer collapses, blockages and the risk of out-of-sewer flooding.

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“The use of the specialist trenchless (underground) relining methods helps to accelerate progress and eliminates the need for large open-cut trenches which would require longer road closures. Night-time working is being employed to further reduce disruption. 

“NI Water and our contractor GRAHAM thank the public for their continued patience and cooperation as we continue with this programme of sewer improvements. The city will benefit from this scheme for many years to come.

“The project team appreciates the co-operation of the wider public in ensuring that children do not play in or around any 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 as we work to complete the scheme.”