A £1MIILION scheme to improve the sewer network in an area of Morpeth will begin in two weeks.
The upgrading works by Northumbrian Water, which will reduce the likelihood of flooding to six properties in Bennett’s Walk, will take up to five months to complete.
Project Manager Paul Davison said: “We will be installing 120 metres of new sewer pipe along sections of Bennett’s Walk and Alexandra Road and constructing a new combined sewer overflow and sewage pumping station in the grassed area adjacent to Alexandra Road.
“We also need to construct a new outfall pipe through the existing flood defence wall near Bennett’s Walk.”
The first phase of the project starts on Thursday, September 6. It will involve the diversion of gas mains before work on the sewer network can begin on Monday, September 24.
It will be necessary for Northumbrian Water to have temporary traffic management in place during the course of the works. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
Bennett’s Walk will be closed from Thursday, September 6, to Friday, November 16, and one lane of Alexandra Road will be closed from Monday, October 1, to Friday, December 21.
Construction traffic will need access to working sites and to the site compound, which will be located on land adjacent to Goosehill. Residents may be asked to make alternative parking arrangements during the project.
Combined sewer overflows are approved by the Environment Agency and designed to discharge diluted waste water into watercourses in times of very heavy rainfall to protect properties and surrounding land from flooding.
Residents can find out more about the scheme at a customer event in Morpeth Town Hall on Wednesday, September 5, between 3pm and 8pm. The agency and Northumberland County Council will also be on hand to discuss their flood alleviation work in the wider area.
Anyone with special requirements or queries about the project should contact Northumbrian Water’s customer centre on 0845 7171100.