£500,000 Victoria Lock refurbishment scheme
Work has started on the Victoria Lock Refurbishment Scheme following the recent appointment by the Council of the Contractor James Oliver Hearty and Sons and receipt of the necessary Statutory Approvals.
The Scheme consists of 2 Contracts – Dredging of Victoria Lock Chamber and Repairs to the Sea Gates.
Victoria Lock and Amenity Area is now closed to boat owners and the public for 4 months to permit these essential works to be carried out.
The Dredging Contract is now underway and should be completed within 8 weeks. This work will remove the mud and debris which has built up in the Lock Chamber over many years and which affects the full operation of the sea gates.
On completion of the Dredging Contract, the Contractor shall then commence work on the refurbishment of the Sea Gates.
The Sea Gates were last removed from the water for major repairs and maintenance in 1989 and in recent years the four penstocks have progressively failed, leaving it difficult to control the water levels and to operate the Lock Chamber.
The works shall consist of repair of the Sea Gates including replacement of the four penstocks, welding of repair plates to weakened sections and coating of the sea gates with a corrosion protection system. The Sea Gates will be removed from the water to carry out all blast cleaning, welding and repair works.
The timber mitre posts, sill seals and side seals on the Sea Gates shall be replaced where necessary before the gates are reinstalled and commissioned again.
The Chairperson of Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie, welcomed the commencement of the Scheme which will cost £500,000 approximately.
She said that this substantial investment by the Council in Victoria Lock, which is a Scheduled Monument, reflects the Council’s commitment to protect the unique Built Heritage that is Newry Canal and to maintain an important recreational and tourist facility in the Council District.
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