Next steps for more strengthening of the sea defences at Port of Sunderland are being prepared.
They will see a 200m (more than 600ft) section of the Hendon Foreshore Barrier rebuilt and updated to help protect the port estate against sea erosion and storm damage.
The foreshore barrier dates back to the 1930s and temporary repairs were completed last year following damage in 2018 and 2019.
Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 11 January is examining a report on the foreshore works and to begin a procurement process. A budget of more than £1m could be allocated for contractors.
In September this year, the council also began tendering for nearly 27,000 tonnes of rock that will be part of the new sea defences at the port and used on both the Stonehill Wall and at Hendon Foreshore Barrier.
The barrier helps protect the Northumbrian Water treatment works and requires 8,000 tonnes of rock armour for its 175m (574ft) long revetment. The rocks will be between three and six tonnes in weight. Sections of the foreshore will also be strengthened with sheet piling.
Leader of Sunderland City Council and Chair of the Port Board, Councillor Graeme Miller said: “The Hendon barrier helps protect the vital infrastructure of the Port of Sunderland and the businesses and companies that use it.
“As a council we are always looking to update and invest in our city’s important infrastructure and the works outlined here for the barrier are a crucial part of our infrastructure.
“We are speaking to contractors about all the rock that will be necessary and delivered for these works, and now we are looking at the contractors who will assist in moving and placing the rock and updating this important part of our sea defences.”
It could take up to ten months to complete the foreshore works because of tidal conditions and they are not anticipated to begin until spring 2023.
Works on the port’s New South Pier have also been completed following damage in 2018. Last year these works were project winners at the Institution of Civil Engineering (ICE) North East Robert Stephenson Awards 2020.