Regeneration in the capital’s shopping precinct could take less time than was originally predicted.
The revised timing is thanks to a new work schedule being put in place by the project engineer in charge of the scheme cutting the projected duration from around 50 weeks to 36.
A Department of Infrastructure spokesman said: ‘The project engineer has been able to identify a way of progressing three work fronts at the same time while maintaining essential access.
‘This acceleration of the programme will reduce the overall length of the project by around three months. This will help to reduce disruption and has been welcomed by many town centre businesses.’
Because of concerns of businesses in the area about the effect on trade, the work will be suspended for a time between November and January, giving easier access for Christmas shoppers.
Work in Well Road Lane, which links Strand Street with Chester Street, was originally to have been completed over a five to six week period in January but was brought forward to September, causing concern for bosses at Shoprite’s town centre Iceland shop.
Worried that closing a link between the shopping precinct and the supermarket would damage trade, Shoprite had the work delayed for two weeks, citing an irregularity in the road closure order.
A spokesman for the shop said: ‘September is a busy time for retail because people are returning from holidays. January and February are in comparison much quieter.’
He added there was no discussion before the change was made and the time scale for the work equated to under two metres per week,