Twelve-week Dingwall sewer revamp on Mill Street will pay long-term dividends despite predicted disruption
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A 12-week project to replace a deteriorating section of sewer in Dingwall is due to start on Monday with inevitable disruption to householders and businesses.
However, Scottish Water insists the work underneath Mill Street – between its junctions with Millcraig Road and Wyvis Terrace – is a must and will pay long-term dividends.
A team from contractor Morrison Construction will replace the pipes to ensure they can continue to serve customers and protect the environment with reduced risk of blockages.
Related: Sewer work likely to take 12 weeks
The existing sewer in Mill Street is mainly made of a clay pipe which has a diameter of around 15cm.
At the end of the working area nearest to the railway line, there is also a short section of larger stone-built culvert which has become susceptible to blocking – and this will a–so be replaced.
From Mill Street, the sewer network flows mainly via gravity to a pumping station at Jubilee Park. From there it is pumped to the town’s Waste Water Treatment Works on Ferry Road, where the waste water is treated so that it can be safely returned to the environment.
Asked to respond to concerns about the length of the closure, Scottish Water’s project manager Hugh Macpherson said: “The road closure has been scheduled for 12 weeks, but if the team on site can improve on this then they will do.
“The site has a number of challenges which need to be approached with care – particularly the sewer’s proximity to a large number of existing services along its route. We need to protect these and ensure that we are able to work safely around them.
“As is common to most work on the sewer network, we need to ensure that normal flows via the main sewer and from individual customers’ drains can continue by overpumping while each section of pipe is replaced.
“The location means that it is particularly important that we ensure that safe pedestrian access is provided throughout, as well as safe local access for residents and businesses.”
A maximum of 12 people are expected on site at any one time.
The mainly clay pipe, with a diameter of around 15cm, will be replaced by a sturdy high-strength PVC variety.
Safe access arrangements for local residents will be supported by the team on site and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout. There is not expected to be any disruption to customers’ drainage while the work is taking place.
A signposted diversion for through traffic will be in place via Newton Road, Tulloch Avenue (Kinnairdie Brae) and Back Road.
Mr Macpherson said: “Our team will do all we can to ensure the arrangements for local access and the diversion operate smoothly, but we would like to apologise for the inconvenience that our work will cause.”
Homes and businesses in the affected area of Dingwall have been contacted with further information about the work and the traffic measures which will be in place.
Mr Macpherson added: “We are aware that formal notice of the road closure in advance of direct contact with customers has caused concern. Our team has already met several local businesses to explain the arrangements that will be in place and understand their individual needs and concerns.
“We will continue to follow up any issues that are raised with us as we prepare for work to begin – as well as while we are working on site.”
Local businesses will be open as usual and provision will be made to ensure parking is available for customers while the closure is in place.
The road is scheduled to reopen to traffic by Friday, December 9.
