A further 25 metres of footpath and wall likely to collapse into the River Wear at quayside

Sunderland City Council expects a further 25 metre section of footpath and piling to fall into the River Wear.

The council has confirmed that a 25 metre section of the quayside and its piling collapsed into the River Wear overnight on Tuesday, March 16 – with another 25 metre section severely weakened and also very likely to fall.

Work has been ongoing at the Panns Bank quayside since January when cracking in the pavement and highways along the river was reported.

It is understood that the steel piling which runs along the quayside has become extremely corroded, causing movement in the backfill.

Inspection work has been underway at the site since January after cracking in the pavement was reported.

The council has said that an investigation into the cause is ongoing but initial conclusions are that water ingress on both sides of the piling weakened it and contributed to the collapse.

Sunderland footpath and wall collapses into River Wear

The affected area is fenced off and there is no danger to the public, with the council expecting a 60 to 70 metre section of the quayside needing to be rebuilt.

A Sunderland City Council spokesperson said: “Following reports of cracking in the pavement and highways alongside a section of the Panns Bank quayside, the City Council and contractors began detailed inspection works in January.

Sunderland City Council have said there is no danger to the public.

"The aim of these inspections was to help draw up a condition survey that would then inform a future works programme and plans for the rebuilding of the quayside wall.

"These inspections for the survey included ground excavations and work to examine the steel piling of the quayside which has become extremely corroded.

"Contractors reported movement in the backfill and in the quayside piling on Tuesday 16 March so work was stopped.

"Overnight on Tuesday 16 March a 25 metre section of the quayside and its piling collapsed into the river.

"A further 25 metre section of the quayside is also destabilised, severely weakened and very likely to fail.

“While investigations on causes are continuing, initial conclusions are that water ingress on both sides of the piling weakened it and contributed to the collapse.

“The works area was already fenced off and there is no danger to the public.

“Subject to further ground investigations and surveys, the council anticipates that a 60 to 70 metre section of the quayside will need to be rebuilt.”

A further 25 metres of footpath and wall likely to collapse into the River Wear at quayside

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