Northern Ireland

Tunnelling taking place deep under the streets of Belfast

Tunnelling work under Great Victoria Street in Belfast city centre
Tunnelling work under Great Victoria Street in Belfast city centre Tunnelling work under Great Victoria Street in Belfast city centre

NI Water is tunnelling under Belfast city centre as part of a £5 million project to improve the sewerage infrastructure.

Commuters on Great Victoria Street and Dublin Road are oblivious to the fact that a large tunnelling machine is working its way across the darkness of the sewers to the depth of two double decker buses.

The work aims to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, cut pollution and improve water quality in the River Lagan.

NI Water said: "Work is progressing well at the new Wastewater Pumping Station site on Hardcastle Street and Phase 1 of the pipe laying is complete on Adelaide Street, with work now under way on Linenhall Street.

"It is anticipated that all work on Linenhall Street will be completed by the end of August 2018."

The company said diversions would be place during this phase of the work, with disruption in the Dublin Road area this weekend.

Work is also taking place at Maryville Street, Ormeau Road and Bankmore Square.