Farrans has completed engineering work on the first phase of Northumbrian Water’s Project Pipeline: County Durham and Tees Valley, delivering more than 30km of new pipeline in a major investment to safeguard supplies across the North East.

The wider programme will deliver 57km of pipework, linking water treatment in Upper Teesdale to communities across the south of County Durham and into the Tees Valley, increasing resilience and protecting drinking water quality.

Designed to maximise the use of gravity and cut reliance on pumping, the route aims to lower energy consumption and operating costs to help keep customers’ bills down. The £92.5m Phase 1 has installed a pipeline between Lartington Water Treatment Works and storage reservoirs at Whorley, near Gainford, and at Shildon, which support supplies in County Durham.

Along the 33km Phase 1 alignment, engineers completed 15 road crossings — including tunnelling beneath the A68, one of three A roads crossed — to minimise disruption to motorists. Dual pipes were also tunnelled beneath the River Tees between purpose-built shafts on each bank to protect the watercourse and its dependent wildlife and environment.

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With construction now finished, the team is working with landowners to reinstate working areas at the most suitable times, aiming to return the land to its former condition, or better.

To leave a lasting environmental benefit, a 31-year initiative near Shildon is enhancing 15 hectares of low-quality grassland to improve habitats and attract more diverse wildlife. Community measures tied to the project have included a tunnel boring machine naming competition; work experience placements and four apprenticeships; business mentoring and educational opportunities; volunteering; charitable donations; and school visits.

Planning is under way to connect the new main to local networks serving Barnard Castle, with a communications programme set to explain to customers what to expect during the tie-in works.

Barry McDonagh, Project Manager for Farrans, said: "We are pleased to have reached this important milestone on a project which will play an integral role in providing resilience to the water supply in England. This has been a technical and at times challenging project as we have navigated roads and rivers through changeable seasons.

"Our team has been embedded in the community here for almost three years now, working alongside our local suppliers to deliver. We are proud to have been able to give back through our extensive social value programme which has engaged with local schools, colleges and charities to create a positive lasting legacy of job opportunities, skills, donations and volunteering."