Positive progress reported on project to repair landslip-prone road near Rothbury

The complex scheme to tackle the active landslip at Todstead on the B6344 is due to continue until next spring, but a number of key milestones have already been reached.

The 180m long retaining wall consisting of 16m deep sheet piles have all been driven which will now support the road during the remainder of the works, preventing the embankment from slipping which has led to cracking of the road surface in the past.

During the pile installation, the existing asphalt was found in places to be over five metres deep due to repairs carried out since the 1970s.

Re-profiling of the southern embankment of the River Coquet is also underway to prevent erosion of the riverbank, whilst the road to the west side of the landslip is also being re-aligned.

Installation of de-watering wells and drainage to the hillside above the B6344 will follow this stage, creating a system that will relieve water pressure from the hillside. This is vital as the water pressure in the ground is a key cause of the landslip.

A diversion remains in place via the B6341 with extra signs reminding drivers that Rothbury and Coquetdale is open for business as usual.

As the project is in the River Coquet Site of Special Scientific Interest, environmental concerns remain at the forefront of the work. An area of woodland five times the size of that removed will be planted before the scheme is complete.

Cllr John Riddle, cabinet member for local services at Northumberland County Council, explained: “We're making good progress on this long-term solution to protect this road for future generations.

“It’s a very complex scheme in a challenging environment but engineers have made excellent progress over the summer and the piling for the retaining wall is a key milestone for the work.

“I want to thank people for their continued patience while we carry out this vital repair work.”

Gareth Farrier, divisional director at BAM, added: “ “Whilst we have thrived on the complex geotechnical issues that have had to be overcome, ultimately the success of the scheme is the result of the incredible collaboration between Northumberland council, Atkins, local landowners and stakeholders, BAM and our suppliers.”