Work is set to get under way to move the Coast Road in South Shields to save the route from erosion.
The project will see a 500m section of the A183 Coast Road, between Marsden Lime Kilns and the caravan site near the Marsden Grotto, moved 24m inland and away from the clifftop. It comes after a survey in 2019 identified that parts of the route would be compromised in the future due to the ongoing erosion of the cliff face, including the formation of caves.
The scheme will start from Monday, November 21 and is expected to be completed next summer.
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The route will remain open for Coast Road users during the work, with two-way signals in place. However, it is likely that some overnight closures will be needed in the later stages of the scheme to enable surfacing works to be carried out.
The current cycle and bridleway will be maintained along the realigned section.
It is expected that the scheme will extend the lifespan of the coastal route by around 50 years. A longer-term option will be explored once the new road is in place.
Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Transport and Neighbourhoods at South Tyneside Council and Chairman of the LGA Coastal Special Interest Group, said: "This scenic route is well used by residents and visitors, but its future is compromised in its current position. Realigning the road and bringing it further inland in this location is essential for public safety.
"It will preserve this important route for decades to come while supporting the natural erosion of the cliffs in this area. The project has taken years of planning, with careful consideration given to maintaining the area's natural and historical features.
"We are delighted to be in a position where we can now start on site."
The coastal footpath has already been 'rolled back' to a safe location and away from the cliff edge in conjunction with the landowner, the National Trust. Now work will begin to move the road away from the clifftop at the closest point following the successful acquisition of the land in an exchange between the council and the National Trust. Contractor Howard Civil Engineering will deliver the scheme.
The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation due to its proximity to local wildlife habitats and near Marsden Lime Kilns, a scheduled monument.
Specialist survey and monitoring works will be undertaken throughout the scheme to ensure there is no adverse impact on the Lime Kilns. Habitats within the site boundary will also be reinstated once the road has been repositioned, with the existing road excavated and returned to grassland.
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