Traffic woes warning

NWC's North Street operations begin to impact motorists

Motorists are in for a tough time in sections of downtown Kingston due to the several traffic changes forced by work now being undertaken by the National Water Commission (NWC).

The NWC announced last week that it would be carrying out emergency remedial work on the North Street sewer system which has been causing an overflow of waste water into the Barnes Gully.

"We have carried out the necessary field investigations on the trunk sewer main along North Street and have found that the blockage which is causing the overflow cannot be removed in the traditional way, but will involve more extensive technical work," said Garth Jackson, NWC chief engineer.

According to the NWC, the scope of work in the short term will involve trench excavation of five to six metres deep to facilitate the replacement and laying of approximately 180-280 metres of a section of the 100-year-old existing 30-inch rectangular sewer main along North Street.

"The work may involve the extension of the replacement sewer to accommodate an additional blocked segment in addition to realignment of the proposed route to avoid conflict with a large diameter water main in the same vicinity," said Jackson.

The work started last Friday and Charles Buchanan, corporate public relations manager, accepts that it will have implications for businesses such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and schools including Kingston College and St George's College, and residents in the immediate vicinity.

Unavoidable closure

"Regrettably, we foresee the unavoidable closure of the section of North Street extending from its intersection with East Street to its intersection with Central Avenue for the duration of the works," said Buchanan.

"Off roads, including Hanover Street, Wildman Street, Rum Lane, Central Avenue, East Street and George's Lane, will also be impacted," Buchanan added.

He said the NWC has engaged the road authority in getting the necessary approval for road closures and will ensure the necessary notification is issued advising of alternative routes.

The NWC said the successful completion of this project will not only improve sewage conveyance in that area of Kingston, but will also satisfy a National Environment and Planning Agency enforcement order and subsequent court action.

According to the NWC, the very technical and challenging work is projected to last for two weeks and should be completed by the end of February 2011.