Northumberland County Council has made significant steps in addressing the landslip on the B6343 Mitford Road, which remains a top priority until repairs are fully completed.
The safety of road users and the long-term stability of the road remain critically important in repair efforts.
Last year a depression was detected in the footpath of the B6343 near the C146 High House Road junction.
Following the heavy rains from Storm Babet, the depression worsened into a landslip, making it necessary to install three-way traffic lights to keep road users safe.
County Council Leader and Local Member for the area, Councillor Glen Sanderson, explained: “We have carried out detailed investigations to understand the cause of the landslip and how best to fix it.
“Recent bad weather has cost the County Council millions in landslips and this is another example of us having to find extra money again, but we have to do it for everyone's safety.”
The Council has engaged a specialist contractor and developed an outline design. Works which include using bored and cast in place piles along an approximate 55 metre length to provide a long-term solution to protect this section of road will begin towards the end of the year and continue into 2025. The estimated cost of the repairs is approximately £3.5 million, however, the Council is working hard to reduce this cost wherever possible.
"The works will be significant, but it is important we progress in this way to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors and to give long-term stability and reassurance,” said Cllr Sanderson.
An update on the timeline for road closures and diversions will be shared once the design is complete and the construction contractor is appointed.
"We are getting on with this work as quickly as we can and in the meantime thank you for all the patience you have shown - it is a major engineering project, and these things do take time." said Cllr Sanderson.
Regular updates will be provided as the project progresses.