A major project to prevent flooding in a Lanarkshire town is now facing delays in its final stages.
The installation of a new storage tank and larger pipes is set to reduce the risk of sewer flooding in Lanark.
The £2.5 million project means the Wellgate car park has been closed through the duration of the works which were scheduled to be completed by the end of July.
It has also caused roadworks, traffic management arrangements and diversions during this time.
Scottish Water is now notifying members of the public of the delays.
The main shaft construction works are now completed, however alliance partner amey-binnies has experienced some unforeseen challenges, say Scottish Water.
As a result, this has had an impact on the anticipated timescales of the re-opening of Wellgate car park.
The construction of a new underground storm storage tank has been successfully completed in the car park, however, works on the main sewer pipe installation which began in Bernard’s Wynd at the end of March are said to have been "challenging".
A number of uncharted services have been uncovered during excavations and pipe installation.
This work has now paused until ownership of the cables can be confirmed and diverted.
Once complete, the upsized sewer pipes will be connected to the storm tank. During times of heavy rainfall, excess water will spill into the tank and be stored there before being pumped back into the sewer once water levels there are low again.
Georgina Reid, Scottish Water’s corporate affairs manager for the west, said: “This investment project had been making good progress until this point and it is thoroughly disappointing for us that the project faced these issues in the final stages.
“While frustrating for everyone involved, projects of this scale often face unforeseen challenges and we’d like to reassure everyone that the project team are doing all they can to push ahead with what they can meantime.”
Work continues inside the site compound, with reinstatement work being carried out where possible. Meantime, additional parking is available in the overflow car park on Delves Road.
Georgina added: “We fully appreciate that this will be disappointing news for local businesses and their customers who use the car park.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank local residents, visitors and businesses for their patience and understanding. More information will be communicated as soon as it is possible to do so.”
The global shortage of microchips is also having an impact on this investment project. Delays in procuring a microchip which is needed to control the infrastructure means the storm storage tank is not expected to be operational until the New Year.
Meantime, all traffic management arrangements and local diversions agreed in liaison with South Lanarkshire Council remain in place.
Scottish Water say they will be removed at the earliest opportunity.
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