Northumbrian Water responds to complaints of traffic related issues in Hesleden

Last week a few residents in Hesleden got in touch with me to express their concerns about wagons speeding along Gray Avenue in the village. This was reported to be a particular problem at the Hesleden WMC corner at Front Street and Gray Avenue. 

Northumbrian Water are currently operating on a site adjacent to the Haswell to Hart walkway to carry out pipe replacement works at the edge of Hesleden Dene and they have provided the following response to the issues I raised on behalf of residents.

In its response below the company refers to the Hesleden Dene Pipe Bridge project so I've provided a direct link here for full background details: Project: Hesleden Dene Pipe Bridge | Northumbrian Water

We were made aware of these complaints direct, which were in response to wagons delivering stone to set up the site compound at the Quarry for our pipelaying etc works. To address these complaints, we introduced additional measures which are summarised in ‘FAQs’ on our Community Hub - Project: Hesleden Dene Pipe Bridge, Northumbrian Water:

•  Which direction will vehicles access the site compound and working area?

All vehicles accessing and exiting the site and working area will do so via Grey Avenue only. Measures are in place to ensure that vehicles do not idle or park on Grey Avenue at any time

•  What measures are in place regarding speed restrictions?

All site vehicles will adhere to a maximum speed of 30 mph on Grey Avenue. A reduced speed limit of 10 mph will be enforced along the access track from the junction of Grey Avenue and Front Street.

•  Will the roads be kept clean during the work? 

Yes, the site team will employ a road cleaning specialist with mechanical road sweepers which will be used periodically to maintain the roads affected by any dirt/mud from the transportation of spoil and other excavated materials to storage or for disposal. All vehicles delivering materials have been instructed to keep their canopies closed until they enter the designated working area, helping to minimise dust and disturbance to the surrounding area.