The Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) project team celebrated an important community milestone with the opening of a newly relocated bridleway alongside Hawthorn Pit in County Durham on Tuesday 19 August 2025.
The new section of diverted bridleway was delivered as part of the EGL1 project. Now, located on higher ground, the path between Murton and South Hetton will reduce the risk of flooding and improve safety by separating pedestrians from construction traffic.
With over 50 attendees, the event brought together the project team, contractors, and residents providing a valuable opportunity for the local community to understand more about the construction programme for the new converter station and substation.
The bridleway opening reflects EGL1’s commitment to being a good neighbour and actively engaging with communities.
This milestone was part of a busy summer at Hawthorn Pit, which has also seen:
- installation of a temporary haul road connecting the substation site to Jade Business Park
- approval of path diversions and drainage improvements by Durham County Council to further reduce flood risks
Beyond Hawthorn Pit, the EGL1 team is preparing for the main construction phase in England, including:
- site compound setup
- archaeological investigations
- marine surveys
We’re off to a great start with Eastern Green Link 1, and it’s fantastic to see community engagement continuing to play a key role in helping shape our plans.
