Northumbrian Water has started a phased programme to replace ageing water pipes around Salters Lane in Newcastle. The works began on Monday 12 October and will continue until February 2028.
Seven streets are affected: Kenton Avenue, Wilson Gardens, Osbaldestone Gardens, Adeline Gardens, Oakhurst Drive, Eddleston Avenue and Montagu Avenue. The project is being delivered by United Infrastructure Ltd.
Give-and-take lane closures, footway diversions
The scheme involves lane closures and temporary footway diversions. Traffic management includes give-and-take working. This means one lane is closed and drivers take turns passing the obstruction without temporary traffic lights. This method suits quieter residential streets where traffic volumes are low enough for drivers to alternate safely.
Pedestrians will be rerouted around the work zones on temporary diversions. Alternative routes will be clearly signposted to maintain safe access.
How the works fit into street works regulations
These activities are classified as street works: a utility company digging in the highway to access its own underground assets. This differs from highway authority roadworks, which involve repairs or improvements to the road itself.
Reducing future interruptions
Northumbrian Water says the upgrades will improve pipe network resilience and lower the risk of future bursts. Project manager Brian Hardy said the replacement programme will reduce the likelihood of service interruptions for customers.
He added that Northumbrian Water’s teams will coordinate closely with local authorities and residents to minimise disruption throughout the multi-year project.
What residents can expect
The work will be phased across the seven streets. No single street will be under continual work for the full duration, but the area will see moving barriers, plant and reinstatement patches until early 2028.
The water company has not published the phasing order, the length of time individual streets will be affected, or the exact length of pipe being replaced on each road.
Residents should expect periodic lane closures and footway diversions as the programme moves from street to street. They are advised to follow the signed temporary pedestrian routes to avoid disruption.
The scale and management of these street works occur in the context of a government review of the street works code, currently examining utility work planning, signing and guarding nationwide.
