Engineers have carried out work to improve the landscape on a North East river.
The removal of a sewer pipe that bridges the River Team represents the latest phase of work on and near the watercourse.
Northumbrian Water worked with a team of specialists to demolish the pipe bridge – which previously carried sewage across the river, close to Lamesley - following earlier upgrades to the sewer network.
In 2024, the local sewer network was diverted away from the pipe bridge, meaning the sewer no longer needed to flow over the river, allowing the water company to drain the pipe and remove it from service.
This allowed the team to remove the pipe bridge, visually improving the riverside landscape, complementing the environmental protection delivered by the earlier investment in the sewer diversion.
To ensure minimal ecological impact, the demolition process was carefully executed. Engineers cut the pipe at one end and floated it across the river on a pontoon, preventing disturbance to the riverbed and its native fish species.
Additionally, the work was carried out manually to protect the riverbank and the Lamesley reed beds, which serve as a habitat for Great Crested Newts.
Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, Ben Carvey, said: “The removal of the pipe bridge was made possible through investments in our sewer network, eliminating the need for the sewer to cross the River Team. By demolishing the bridge, we’ve not only removed an outdated structure but also enhanced the environment visually, complementing the protection provided by our earlier work.”