Busy road to close as sewerage work continues

Northern Ireland Water has confirmed that the busy commuter route will be closed to traffic between the Prince Charles Way and Beverley Road roundabouts from April 7 - 20.

A spokesperson for the company said that in order to facilitate sewerage improvement works "full 24-hour road closures" will be necessary.

"In order to connect the road gullies to the new sewer, road crossings are required on this road. Unfortunately, this involves road closures due to the existing road lane spans being minimal and the overhang of trees and hedges restricting working room. This is also a health and safety precaution to ensure the safety of the public and the workers," she explained.

Confirming that diversions will be in place during the closure, the spokesperson added: "Traffic heading down Manse Road will be diverted from Prince Charles Way and the Manse Road junction onto Ballyclare Road, Ballynure Road (A8) and Doagh Road where commuters can gain access to the lower Manse Road.

"Traffic heading up Manse Road from Doagh Road will be diverted via Doagh Road, Ballynure Road (A8) and Ballyclare Road to the Manse Road junction and Prince Charles Way."

Several weeks ago the Times revealed that work to construct the new storm sewer between Ballyclare Road and Campbell Road is likely to continue until July.

At that time NI Water estimated that eight road closures may need to be enforced in order to allow the contractor to complete the work safely. A company spokesperson added that further closures may be necessary in order to carry out additional work between Campbell Road and Christine Road.

The scheme on the Manse Road represents an investment of 370,000 by NI Water and forms part of the 1.2 million Whitehouse Drainage Area Plan.