Nearly a mile long and 40 metres below ground, a key section of Belfast’s deepest tunnel was completed today as the tunnel boring machine (TBM) made its breakthrough at Duncrue Street. Capable of holding vast overflows of stormwater - up to four million gallons - it will reduce the risk of sewer flooding in the greater Belfast area.
Speaking on site, Minister Murphy commented: “Today’s breakthrough is a key milestone in this vital project. The scheme represents a commitment to providing Belfast with a sewerage network that has been designed by the highest industry standards to last well in to the 21st century. This system will accommodate the expanding city and its drainage needs, significantly reducing the risk of flooding and reducing the risk of pollution to the River Lagan.”
This section of tunnel is the longest completed stretch of the Belfast Sewers Project, which when finished will comprise a 6 mile tunnel from Cromac Street to Duncrue Street, with a network of tributary tunnels. The project is one of the biggest civil engineering infrastructure projects in the UK.
The NI Water scheme will provide the greater Belfast area with a modern sewerage system by 2009 to replace a 19th century sewer network which can no longer cope with the needs of the expanding city.
Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of NI Water said: “Today represents another landmark in our journey to a modern and effective sewerage system for Belfast. NI Water has a massive programme of water and wastewater infrastructure investment underway. This involves an investment of a million pounds every working day in schemes which will benefit homes and businesses. I am delighted that we are well on track to bring such large scale benefits to the city.”
Bill Gowdy, NI Water project sponsor, said that the TBM has cut through at a rate of 30 feet per hour since June last year. He said that, following a naming-tradition on such projects, the TBM is called “Lucille”. He added: “Lucille was specifically selected for this work to ensure that tunnelling on such a large and complex scale could be delivered swiftly, accurately and safely without disturbing surrounding soil.”
Morgan Est and Farrans are the main contractors for this major investment, alongside NI Water’s appointed Project Managers, Atkins. Throughout each stage of this programme a range of advanced technologies have been employed to ensure that the initiative runs safely and efficiently. The programme is due for completion in late 2009.
Notes to Editors:
- The Belfast Sewers Project involves work to upgrade the existing sewer networks and the construction of a large diameter drainage tunnel to increase stormwater capacity. A contract to upgrade the sewer network was started in 2005. There are approximately 1,800 km of sewers covering a catchment area of 42 square kilometres. The older central area of Belfast is currently served by two large diameter brick sewers which date back to 1888 and a third concrete sewer which was commissioned in the 1970's. The tunnelling work is the final part of the Belfast Sewers Project and will provide the required increased capacity in the sewerage system.
- The tunnel and pumping station are 40 metres below sea level, the deepest excavation ever in the Belfast area. This is six metres greater than the height of the Albert Memorial Clock Tower.
- The implementation of the Belfast Sewers Project will result in the closure of a significant number of the existing combined sewer overflows, which will reduce the pollutant load from the sewerage system on the River Lagan and its tributaries by 85% of present levels.
- The route of the tunnels was determined by ground conditions, the availability of sites for the tunnel shafts and other logistical constraints.
- Morgan Est, part of Morgan Sindall plc, is a leading provider of civil, mechanical, electrical and project management services for water and waste water projects. Locally based Farrans Construction Ltd is part of the Northstone group, a wholly owned subsidiary of CRH.
- Northern Ireland Water’s appointed Project Managers are consulting engineers Atkins supported by their associates Faithful and Gould.
- Media queries to DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0887 or to NIW Press Office on 028 9035 4710 or email press.office@niwater.com.
- Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
