Traffic moving well despite collapsed road
TRAFFIC disruption expected in Belfast over the next week after the collapse of a major road into the city, appears to have been avoided this morning.
Tarmac at Cromac Street started to sag and then collapsed into a huge hole early on Saturday morning.
Latest reports indicate that early-morning traffic is moving well in the city.
No-one was injured and the road was immediately closed at the junction with East Bridge Street and traffic is being diverted.
Engineers expect it will take around a week to repair the damage to the road, which is one of the busiest routes in the city.
Diversions are expected to put additional pressure on other nearby arterial roads.
A spokeswoman for Northern Ireland Water (NIW) said the depression developed in the road above a stormwater tunnel which is part of the Belfast Sewers Project.
It is now understood that the collapse was caused by an air pocket rising to the surface.
It was apparently created during the construction of part of the new sewer system, which is due to start coming on line from this week.
A major four-metre diameter tunnel which is fed by tributary tunnels starts underneath Cromac Street and runs 3.5 kilometres to a major treatment works at Duncrue Street.
The air pocket is thought to have been created during the construction of the tunnel.
Senior NIW official Bill Gowdy said the air pocket was an "exceptional event" caused by Belfast's "unique clay geology".
NIW says the new system, which is gradually being phased in this week, is unaffected and will be fully operational on schedule towards the end of the year.
An NIW spokesman said last night: "Work will include repairs to the storm water sewer and manhole and infilling, no other services have been affected.
"NIW would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to the public."
The Roads Service and police are advising drivers approaching from East Belfast to use the Queen's Bridge rather than the Albert Bridge.
Drivers approaching Victoria Street from the Ormeau Road will be diverted along Ormeau Avenue, Bedford Street and Howard Street.
A spokeswoman said: "Diversions are in place and clearly marked. Drivers should expect severe delays during peak periods and should leave extra time for their journey.
"Where possible, motorists are advised to take an alternative route."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
