After the disruption of last year's firmus gas mains scheme Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) is now in town on a watermains rehabilitation project.

A number of roads have been affected with more roadworks in the pipeline.

The diggers have already been out on the Banbridge Road, Toberhewny Lane, the Calvertstown Road in Bleary and Main Street, Donacloney.

Works to come include at the Slopes near Bleary and in Waringstown village.

Ironically the Bleary roadworks have been causing the most significant tailbacks with two lines of traffic regularly forming on the Deans Road and Bleary Road - with the snarls coming at the junction of Bleary Road and Plantation Road.

A Northern Ireland Water spokesman said: “NI Water £4.5m investment programme in the Craigavon area is progressing well and on schedule. The work is aimed at improving and upgrading the water supply infrastructure in the area and is part of NI Water’s ongoing £80m Water Mains Rehabilitation.

“Nine kilometres have already been installed, with the schemes at Lurgan Park and work through the Leisure Centre complete. Work at Banbridge Road is due to complete in early October and the Donaghcloney Main Street work will complete mid October.

“The overall programme of works, due to complete in March 2009, will help to address problems such as bursts, poor pressure and leaks which ultimately will improve the security and quality of water supply.

“While there may be some temporary traffic disruption in the area, we and our contractor are working closely with Roads Service to ensure that any disruption to residents and businesses is kept to an absolute minimum. Local residents and businesses will be kept fully informed of all planned work.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience and assure you that we are doing everything we can to complete the work as quickly as possible.”