Complex road scheme finished ahead of target
28 May 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Roadworks on a vital route connecting rural communities have been finished ahead of time and ahead of cost.
Works on the A689 south of Slaggyford got underway in early March, meaning a substantial diversion route during the road closure for residents and travellers.
The complex scheme involved the construction of a 300m metre concrete beam which was required due to erosion of the verge and was also affecting the road surface.
And because of a vertical four metre drop down to a local caravan park, a safety fence was also installed to protect road users and park users. Works proved challenging due to the small amount of remaining verge and the steep bank down to the park.
The project was due to take 12 weeks but the council’s in-house team managed to complete the main works two weeks early and well within the target cost of the scheme.
Due to the cost savings, extra resurfacing works were carried out on sections of the A689 from Lambley down to the south of Slaggyford before the road fully reopened.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “This is a great achievement by our staff to complete this complex piece of engineering and repair work well ahead of schedule.
“We always try to ensure road restrictions are in place for as short a time as possible as we know the impact it can have on residents, especially in very rural areas where there’s not a lot of other options.
“The end result is a much safer and smoother stretch of road, which has also benefited the adjoining caravan park.”
Haltwhistle Councillor Ian Hutchinson, whose ward covers Slaggyford, added: “This is a much-used road by the communities who live in this area as well as being popular with tourists, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to complete the work ahead of time.
“I’d also like to extend my thanks to our staff for a job well done, and to the tolerance of road users and local residents while the works were carried out.”