Next steps for £1.76m works to protect port from storm damage
Council chiefs have approved the next steps for works to strengthen sea defences at the Port of Sunderland
Major proposals to further strengthen sea defences at the Port of Sunderland have taken a step forward.
Thisweek,SunderlandCity Council’s ruling cabinet examined a report on the Hendon Foreshore Barrier, a structure which dates back to the 1930s.
Temporary repairs were completed in 2020, following damage in 2018 and 2019, while the latest phase of works includesrebuildingandupdating a 200-metre section, protecting the port estate against sea erosion and storm damage in future years. Council chiefs have now agreed to start lookingforacontractortocomplete the scheme, which is expected to cost £1.76million.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for Dynamic City, said the final project costs could be higher depending on weather conditions.
He said: “Councillors must beawarethoughthatthesecost estimates are based on information available at the time of writingandthereisariskhoweverofpricefluctuationsdueto inflationimpactingonthecost ofrawmaterialsandthepotential for adverse weather.
“Therefore a 20% risk contingencyisincludedinthecost estimate[…]toallowforpotential adverse weather and additional costs in the event of access restrictions.”
A report prepared for cabinet
added the plans would maintain the “integrity and functionality”ofHudsonDock
and would “contribute positivelytotheCityPlanobjectives ofaDynamicandHealthyCity.”
Cllr Johnston added: “Not undertaking the works will leave the council at risk of the following. The likelihood of further damage due to natural storm events and the increase of climate change and may lead to progressive failures of each structure with likely severe impacts, including loss of functionalityofthePortofSunderland.”
In September 2021, the council began shopping for nearly 27,000 tonnes of rock that will form part of the new sea defences at the port and be used on both the Stonehill Wall and at Hendon Foreshore Barrier.
The barrier helps protect theNorthumbrianWatertreatmentworksandrequires8,000 tonnes of rock armour for its 175-metre-long revetment.
Due to tidal conditions, works at Hendon Foreshore Barrier are not anticipated to begin until spring 2023.