Following an embankment failure the Capenscleugh Road between Haydon Bridge and Fourstones, near Hexham was closed to vehicular traffic. Whilst only a minor road, the alternative was a 7 mile detour and so it was imperative that it should be re-opened as quickly as possible.

Project value - £180, 000 for Phi Group Ltd works, plus re-surfacing, kerbing etc carried out by Northumberland County Council works department.

Restrictions of the project - The slope supporting the highway is at approximately 45 deg. and 18m long, with the upper slope at approximately 50 - 60 deg. Work had to be carried out to a high specification within a short time as the road was closed during the works.

Solution -  The upper and lower slopes were Soil Nailed using nails up to 13m long. A deep slip seated slip circle required support to the lower slope with a shallower one to the upper slope. A variety of ground was encountered and therefore different drilling techniques including the use of augers and self-drilling hollow bars.

The uppermost section of the lower slope required excavation and replacement with well compacted granular material to highways specification.

In addition Phi Group Ltd had to ensure accuracy of the Soil Nails in order to avoid existing services within the road.

The slope surfaces have been treated with a proprietary matting / mesh with a dressing of topsoil and then hydro-seeded with indigenous species of Bluebells, wild-garlic and meadow grasses.