BELFAST SEWERS PROJECT
Belfast's sewer network, which dates back to Victorian times, was suffering as a result of sustained underinvestment coupled with inadequate capacity as a result of the city's continued expansion.
To address the problem, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) undertook a new Stormwater Management Project called 'The Belfast Sewers Project'. The £160M project will improve water quality in both the River Lagan and Blackstaff River while reducing the risk of flooding within the inner city. It also incorporates the rehabilitation and upgrading of the sewer network to ensure compliance with European Union (EU) environmental standards.
The Belfast Sewers Project is one of the largest and most important infrastructure investments taking place in the City and involves two key Contracts. WDR & RT Taggart played a major role in each of these projects.
The Sewer Rehabilitation Works - Contract 1 (£60M)
- Sewer rehabilitation work to upgrade some 500 sewers began in 2005.
- WDR & RT Taggart were appointed as designers to the Dawson WAM-McAllister JV.
- The project used 'State of the Art' low dig and no dig technology.
- The main Contractors were Dawson WAM-McAllister JV and John Graham (Dromore) Ltd.
The Stormwater Management Works - Contract 2 (£100M)
- Got underway in September 2006.
- Involved the construction of some 9.5km of tunnels ranging from 4m to 1.8m in dia. distributed throughout the city centre area at varying depths.
- The main tunnel started at Cromac Street and ended at a new pumping station at Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works in Duncrue Street, near the M2 Motorway.
- Tributary tunnels joined the main tunnel at Glenmachan Street, Park Road and Queen's Quay.
- Included 20 access shafts between 6 and 15m in dia.
- The construction of a 38m wide, 40m deep terminal pumping station (TPS), and the addition of a storm tank at the Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works in Duncrue Street, near the M2 Motorway.
- The stormwater tunnel system will increase the capacity of Belfast's sewerage system.
- The project involved the closure of several existing combined sewer overflows (CSO's).
- Pollutant load from the sewerage system into the River Lagan and its tributaries will be dramatically reduced.
- The main Contractor was a Joint Venture partnership of Morgan=Est and local company Farrans Construction.
- WDR & RT Taggart provided Civil, Structural, Architectural and Landscape Architectural service to Farrans Construction.
The project was completed in Spring 2010 and will benefit residents and businesses through:
- enhanced water quality in the River Lagan.
- reduced risk of flooding.
- reduced traffic disruptions that result from emergency road repairs.
- providing a health environment.
- providing capacity to meet increased tourism.
- providing an efficient infrastructure for future economic development in Greater Belfast.
The project has already won several Considerate Constructor's Awards based on a number of factors such as standards of site management, safety and environmental awareness.
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