Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor (Phase 3)

Good Morning,

Another few weeks have passed and there has been a lot of progress, and change, across the SSTC project.

Deptford Terrace Flowmeter is now installed. Following completion of the excavation and temporary works, we constructed the reinforced concrete thrust base and wall. Therafter, the bypass pipe work was complete and pressure tested. Northumbrian Water have taken bacteria samples for testing at their labs before the main can be brought into service. We are currently backfilling the new pipe work and reinstating the area. The tarmac footpath will be replaed tomorrow.

Unfortunately, we've had a few set backs at Priestly Crescent which has resulted in delay to the works. The first problem was a defect with material delivered to site. Upon installation, a concrete pipe failed and cracked from end to end. Due it's size, we had to wait 4 days until a new section was manufacturered and delivered to site. Furthermore, last week we had issues with buried services, which has resulted in further delay whilst we work with Northern Powergrid to resolve. This will mean that the works won't be complete in time for the Christmas break (21st December).

However, we have discussed the problem with Sunderland City Council and together, came up with a solution that will allow traffic to flow out of Priestly and onto Simpson St. A traffic management one way system will be established on the day we break up for Christmas. Please note, this will NOT allow traffic to enter Priestly from Simspon St. When we return in the New Year, we'll then re-establish the closure and complete our works.

Farringdon Row is progressing nicely and we have now installed over 200m of new water main within the carriageway. This is great achievment from the team considering the amount of existing buried services we have had to overcome. Our focus before the Christmas break is now testing and backfilling the section of pipework, before reinstating part of the road to open up the bottom end of Farringdon Row, allowing unhindered access to the Kings Arms pub and Timber Supplies. We will then return in the New Year to complete the installtion up to the B & Q delivery entrance, before connecting customers along this road and commissioning the main.

I'll provide another update before we leave for the festivities,

Thanks,

Mark