The final phase of an ambitious scheme to cut the flood risk in Morpeth is continuing.
However a combination of the exceptional winter weather and unforeseen ground conditions mean the work will now have to continue beyond the Easter bank Holiday.
The works will stop around 6am on Friday 30th March (Good Friday) and will resume on Monday 9th April after the Morpeth Gathering to minimise traffic disruption over this busy period.
During the night shift on Thursday 29th March the contractor will vacate the site entirely, removing temporary traffic lights and fencing. The roads and paths will be available for normal use on Good Friday.
The Morpeth Surface Water Scheme is a £1m project at six locations to reduce surface water flood risk to 85 properties and improve the ability of roads in and around Morpeth to cope with heavy rain.
At Low Stanners, work involves the installation of a new road drainage system on Dark Lane and property protection measures to 17 homes on Staithes Lane and Swinney’s Court.
Once complete, the work will provide a significant reduction in potential traffic disruption from surface water flooding during periods of heavy rain, which will be felt beyond the flooded areas to the wider town and surrounding routes.
The work is now due for completion towards the end of April.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “This is a complex engineering project and unfortunately the severe weather and issues with the ground conditions mean works will need to continue after Easter.
“We have done all we can to minimise disruption and will be ensuring all the works are removed throughout the busy Easter period, before coming back to finish them off in April.
“Local stakeholders have been updated with the latest position and I thank everyone for their ongoing patience throughout this vital work.”