Northumbrian Water’s Johnson Street Storm Overflow Project wins Large Project of the Year at ICE’s Robert Stephenson Awards

Northumbrian Water’s Johnson Street Storm Overflow Screening Project has picked up the Large Project of the Year accolade at this year’s ICE North East Robert Stephenson Awards (RSAs).

The project, which actively protects the River Tyne from aesthetic pollution while improving river water quality, was designed and delivered by Esh-Stantec – a joint venture formed between Esh Construction and Stantec to deliver Northumbrian Water’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Framework.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East hosts the RSAs every year as a celebration of civil engineering excellence in the region. The esteemed awards recognise projects that demonstrate excellence in concept, planning, design, construction, demolition, maintenance or operation.

The Johnson Street project was designed to meet new regulatory consents issued by the Environment Agency. The scheme involved the integration of a new large diameter storm overflow shaft, mechanical self-cleansing screens, large diameter overflow pipework and channel break out to increase wastewater conveyance capacity.

During construction, a new temporary pumping station was positioned to manage the high flows with minimal temporary works. The existing storm overflow chamber was modified and utilised as a secondary network relief point, removing the requirement for additional works, and reducing the whole carbon footprint for the project.

The Johnson Street project, in Gateshead, has significantly reduced the aesthetic pollution entering the River Tyne from a 22,500-population catchment and resulted in a 11.5% cost saving for Northumbrian Water. Hydraulic modelling has also shown a reduction in storm overflow spill frequency and volume.

Scott Jackson, Framework Director, Esh-Stantec, commented: “We’re delighted this project has been recognised by judges for providing multiple benefits to our client and people living in the North East. The scheme is actively enhancing the river environment through better water quality, improving community areas, and providing better river access.

David Pratt, Divisional Director, Esh-Stantec, added: “Throughout the scheme, we made sure to engage directly and regularly with the community ensuring their needs were met and any concerns were addressed. As we support the resilience of our water networks against the impacts of climate change, projects like this which also address pollution issues are a great example of best practice.

Monisha Gower, Assets Director, Northumbrian Water, said: “This project reflects our commitment to the environment, delivering improvements to the River Tyne. The Robert Stephenson Awards are hotly contested by civil engineers from across the North East, so it was hugely rewarding to receive this award for a project that delivers on our commitments to improving water quality and the positive experiences of those who enjoy being around our region’s watercourses.”

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Media Contact
Calum Metcalfe
Stantec UK Media Relations
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About Esh Construction 
Esh Construction is part of Esh Group, a privately-owned construction and built environment group of companies which operate across the North East, Tees Valley, Yorkshire and the Humber. Through specialist divisions we provide civil engineering, commercial build, affordable housing and refurbishment to a wide range of private and public sector clients. 

Led by teams of our experienced professionals, we collaborate with our customers and supply chain to find the most creative and innovative ways to deliver outstanding projects. We have an uncompromising focus on health, safety, and quality and continually invest in our workforce and new technologies to deliver the best results for our clients.

Committed to supporting the areas in which we operate, Esh delivers an industry-leading social value package through our ‘Constructing Local’ strategy. We are recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for our outstanding commitment to social value and proudly hold the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Promoting Opportunity and Social Mobility.

Contact
Victoria McCormick
Group Communications Manager, Esh Group
07930 983 390
victoria.mccormick@esh.uk.com