£2.5m project under way to upgrade water infrastructure in Edmundbyers

The £2.5 million project, led by Northumbrian Water, will see 9km of ageing water mains replaced in Edmundbyers, near Consett.

Brian Hardy, project manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “This is a big project for a small community, but by renewing the area’s ageing water mains all in one go, we can avoid the need to return on multiple occasions, adding resilience and protecting supplies for future generations.

“We know this will be disruptive, so our partners, United Infrastructure, will have a dedicated liaison on site, enabling people to get a quick response should any issues arise.

“We will also be updating customers prior any work near their homes, so they know what to expect from those elements of work.”

The company is working in partnership with United Infrastructure, following a previous phase in which 6km of mains were upgraded.

The current work, expected to last 10 months, will target pipes running between Edmundbyers and Blanchland.

To minimise disruption, tunnelling techniques will be used and efforts will be made to reduce the time spent working outside individual homes.

Traffic management will be in place for the safety of workers and the public, with an initial road closure and short diversion planned at the beginning of the scheme.

A customer service technician will be based on site to assist residents with queries, and letters will be delivered to households ahead of works taking place nearby.

Northumbrian Water has also taken steps to protect the area’s archaeological and environmental heritage and has scheduled the works to avoid the summer season at a nearby holiday park.