Prudhoe flood scheme to get underway
20 Feb 2025
A scheme to resolve the long-standing issue of flooding near Prudhoe Railway Station is getting underway.
The area by the level crossing has been causing problems for residents for many years as it regularly suffered from surface water ponding on the road, often making it impassable after periods of heavy rain.
However, resolving the issue has been very complex, requiring significant changes and improvements to the highway drainage system as well as having to secure agreements to carry out the work on private land and consents from Network Rail due to works being near the Newcastle to Carlisle rail line.
Now, after final agreement with Network Rail, the Council will be bypassing an old collapsed culvert on Station Road, installing a large diameter pipe from a manhole next to the rail line, travelling through the carpark to another manhole at the top of Station Road.
The work will get underway in the railway station carpark on March 3rd and is expected to take around three weeks.
During this time, ten no-parking bays will be removed temporarily from within the transport interchange at the rail station car park to allow the buses and taxis to run as normal.
Station Road will be closed from the junction down from Glendinning's to the railway line on Sunday 23rd March for up to seven weeks – with the one-way system past Glendinning's to work as normal.
No cars or small vans will be allowed to pass over the railway level crossing. They will have to follow the diversion to Ovingham and come over the bridge to go to the Country Park and businesses north of the rail track.
Vehicles above 3.5ton including HGV's will be escorted through the works and over the level-crossing in order to access the businesses north of the rail track. However, HGVs cannot pass over Ovingham Bridge as the existing 3 tonne weight restriction on the bridge remains in place. Traffic Management Operatives will be in place 24/7 until the works are finished.
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet member for Improving our Roads and Highways, said: “We’re delighted to be starting on this scheme, which has affected the road for a number of years.
“It’s been complicated by the need to secure permissions to work on private land and to ensure the works don’t adversely impact the nearby rail line. Now all that is place work can start in earnest and I’d like to thank local residents and businesses for their understanding and patience while the work is completed.”
Prudhoe North County Councillor Angie Scott said: “It's good to see the County Council and partners are now starting work. I know it's been an issue for residents over the years and I'm sure they will welcome this news.”