Castlegate utility works to begin

Excavation works to install new utility services will get underway on the Castlegate from Monday 22 June.

The works will involve digging trenches around the perimeter of the Castlegate to allow utility services to be installed. Access will be maintained to businesses and premises throughout the works.

The programme will be delivered in phases as outlined below:

Phase 1: Excavation work will begin on the south side of the Castlegate, from Old Blackfriars heading east towards the Carlton Bar. A temporary tarred pedestrian walkway will be installed in advance of these works. The excavation phase is expected take approximately four weeks.

Phase 2: Utility installation works will follow, undertaken by BT Openreach, City Fibre and Vodafone, and are expected to take four weeks. During this period, a temporary tarred walkway will also be created on the north side of the Castlegate, from La Lombarda to Justice Street.

Phase 3:  Excavation will then begin on the north side of the Castlegate in the first week of August, lasting approximately four weeks. To facilitate these works, the bus lane on King Street next to the Castlegate and the walkway on the west side between La Lombarda and Old Blackfriars will be closed. The existing pedestrian crossing outside the Archibald Simpson will be temporarily relocated outside the La Lombarda entrance on King Street

Phase 4: Services will be installed on the north side between La Lombarda and Justice Street and are expected to take four weeks. At the same time excavations on the south side will be backfilled. Excavation of the King Street walkway between La Lombarda and Old Blackfriars will begin in the first week of September and is expected to take around three weeks.

Phase 5: Slab laying will begin on the reinstated south side between Old Blackfriars and the Carlton Bar. The excavations on the northside will be backfilled between La Lombarda and Justice Street. Services will be installed on the excavated walkway between La Lombarda and Old Blackfriars and are expected to take four weeks.

Phase 6: Final reinstatement work will include backfilling of the King Street walkway excavations. Slab laying will begin on the north side of the Castlegate between La Lombarda and Justice Street.

The footway works are expected to be completed in October. Please note that the above programme is indicative and may be subject to change.