North Road closure: Efforts to '˜accommodate' businesses

NI Water has moved to accommodate businesses affected by the ongoing road closures on one of Carrick's busiest routes.
North Road Carrickfergus (file photo).  INCT 30-735-CONNorth Road Carrickfergus (file photo).  INCT 30-735-CON
North Road Carrickfergus (file photo). INCT 30-735-CON

Work is currently underway to upgrade the water supply and sewer infrastructure on North Road in the town.

The project, which commenced on July 4, was expected to take around 14 weeks to complete.

The initial phase saw a single lane closure at the Prince Andrew Way junction, followed by a full road closure in both directions from Prince Andrew Way junction to Middle Road.

However, this resulted in problems for a number of businesses, according to Mid And East Antrim Councillor John Stewart.

“The shops at the top of the North Road, in Oakland Park, were unhappy with this closure - it basically meant no-one could access their premises,” he said.

However, these concerns were raised during a meeting between a number of local representatives, NI Water, and Transport NI last week.

“NI Water have agreed to reopen a single lane to allow access to the area, and they have assured us that they will be making accommodation for everyone,” Cllr Stewart added.

In a statement, a spokesperson for NI Water indicated that the programme of works at the end of Oakland Park will be carried out while allowing vehicles to pass the works area, under the control of temporary traffic lights. “This will therefore facilitate local access from Middle Road,” the spokesperson added.

“The temporary traffic lights will be in place when the contractor is on site, but removed at night and at weekends and local access will remain available via Oakfield Drive.

“Signs to indicate that businesses are open as normal will be in place at Oakfield Drive and at each end of the closed section of the North Road.”

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