Essential works on a County Durham road have reached the next key phase of construction. Esh Construction’s civil engineering division was appointed as main contractor for the Burnigill landslip repair scheme earlier this year.
The B6300, Browney Lane at Burnigill Bank, was closed in July by Durham County Council to allow for repairs to slippage next to the East Coast Mainline, which runs adjacent to the road.
Excavation of the damaged road surface took place over the summer and 184 concrete piles have now been installed up to 18 metres below the existing road level to stabilise the ground. The piles have been completed on the eastern and western retaining walls, marking a key milestone in the project.
Five reinforced concrete capping beams will now be installed before the full road re-construction gets underway next month. The retaining wall construction will be completed later this year, with re-construction of the carriageway due to be completed early next year.
Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “We have encountered a number of challenges since commencing work on site in July due to difficult ground conditions and continued ground movement.
“However, working alongside our subcontractor, we are pleased to have overcome these challenges and have made substantial progress to complete the pile installation phase.”
Cllr John Shuttleworth, Cabinet member for rural communities, highways and community safety at Durham County Council, said: “We are really pleased to be making good progress with these works at Burnigill Bank. We know that it is an important link to the A167 for our businesses and residents but these repairs are essential for safety.
“I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience during the project. We look forward to being able to open the road this winter.”
We have encountered a number of challenges since commencing work on site in July due to difficult ground conditions and continued ground movement. However, working alongside our subcontractor, we are pleased to have overcome these challenges and have made substantial progress to complete the pile installation phase.””
