Essential upgrade flows

12/05/2006

Northumbrian Water is currently carrying out improvement work to the water supply in the west end of Sunderland and will soon upgrade over 900 metres of water main on Pallion New Road.

Richard Johnston, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said:  “The work taking place on Pallion New Road is essential and will use technology, where possible, which avoids digging open trenches.  We will be working between Beach Street junction and Woodbine Terrace and will do everything we can to get the work done as quickly as possible.

“Pallion New Road is part of Northumbrian Water’s scheme to upgrade 28km of water main at a cost of £4.5 million, improving the water quality supplied to 12,000 properties.  It will also reduce leakage and safeguard the water supply for future generations.”

The work, which will begin on Monday May 22 and will take up to 12 weeks to complete, will require traffic management on Pallion New Road.

The water company is working closely with Sunderland City Council to carefully plan traffic management.  Motorists will be kept updated on any development affecting traffic movement while the work is underway.  The Council advises motorists may need to allow extra time for journeys as the work progresses.

Phil Barrett, Director of Sunderland City Council’s Development and Regeneration Directorate, said:  “Northumbrian Water has informed the City Council that work will progress in separate stages along sections of Pallion New Road.  Traffic management will be planned accordingly to ensure the minimum possible disruption to traffic.

“The work is being carried out now to take advantage of the reduced traffic flow over the Queen Alexandra Bridge, where vehicle movement is restricted to the southbound lane while the bridge refurbishment programme is underway.“

Bogus callers are known to operate in Northumbrian Water’s supply area.  It is unlikely that anyone from the water company will need access into a customer’s property while this work is carried out.  If customers are in any doubt about the validity of a caller claiming to be from Northumbrian Water or the ‘water board’ they should ring the Northumbrian Water customer centre on 0845 717 1100.

For further information please contact Joanne Dye on 0191 301 6733.