Landslip road could reopen in '˜early April'

The B6344 to Rothbury, at Crag End, has been shut to all vehicles and pedestrians since the major incident on Boxing Day 2012.

Now, an update which was issued on Northumberland County Council’s website last week states that the stretch could reopen early in April.

It says: ‘Works progress is hectic with drainage runs and road gullies being installed at the west end of the scheme.

‘At the east end of the scheme, kerbs are being laid and the construction layers for the road foundation are being formed.

‘The contractor is estimating that the road will reopen early April.’

The statement adds: ‘Other works are being undertaken along the B6344 road from Weldon Bridge to Rothbury, including extensive structural patching works, cutting back of vegetation and hedges, white lining and investigation and drainage works of another land slip 400 metres west of the Anglers Arms.

‘All of this work will be complete before the road reopens at Crag End’.

The landslip started on Boxing Day 2012 and then worsened during the following winter and spring.

The repair scheme has cost in the region of £9million and the site has proven to be very complex, in terms of the ground conditions, particularly the need to deal with groundwater springs.