NI Water has confirmed that Pond Park Road East in Lisburn will close at the start of July for as long as six weeks to enable an urgent upgrade of the local water supply network.

Setting out the plan and traffic arrangements, Senior NI Water Project Manager, Gary McFadden, said: "The watermain on Pond Park Road East, between Aghalislone Water Pumping Station and Boomers Hill Service Reservoir, has experienced a number of bursts in recent years which have interrupted supply for many customers in the Lisburn area.

"Inspections show that a section of 660m of the existing pipeline has deteriorated and urgently needs replaced. A new larger diameter watermain – to accommodate future demand – will be laid alongside the existing main, which will remain in service while work is ongoing.

"NI Water and our project team from McAdam and GRAHAM Construction have been liaising with DfI Roads on the timing of works and will undertake the essential upgrade during the summer months in a bid to minimise traffic disruption.

"To ensure the safety of construction workers and the public during these works, Pond Park Road East will be closed to through traffic between its junction with Lady Wallace Avenue and Mullaghglass Road from Wednesday 1st July for up to six weeks. Bus stops located within the closure area will be suspended during this time. "GRAHAM's actual working area will be located between Old Park Road and the junction of Pond Park Road/Pond Park Road East. Access to business and residential properties on Pond Park Road East will be available from either side of the closure and a signed diversion route will be in place via Glenavy Road and Sheepwalk Road.

"We are aware that in addition to business and residential properties being located on Pond Park Road East, the road is the main route from Lisburn to Belfast International Airport. In this respect we have been engaging early with local stakeholders and extensive signage will be in place to direct motorists. We are also liaising with NIE to coordinate an upgrade to the local electricity network under the same road closure to avoid further traffic disruption in the area.

"The replacement of this watermain is a high priority for NI Water and our contractor GRAHAM will make every effort – including working extended hours and restricting July holidays to just one day – to complete the work on Pond Park Road East in the shortest possible timeframe. Final connections on Old Park Road and Pond Park Road will be carried out once Pond Park Road East has been fully reopened.

"Once complete the upgrade will improve the robustness and resilience of the local water supply network. This will be particularly important during periods of increased water demand and other emergency situations to ensure continuity of supply for our customers.

"In advance of work getting underway, the NI Water project team would like to thank local businesses, residents and the wider public for their patience and cooperation while we complete these essential water network improvements."