The historic home of the industrial revolution is under threat of major landslides due to mine workings over the centuries.
The council now plans to spend around £16m stabilising the Jackfield Area of the site and building a new stretch of road through the gorge.
The site forms the southern flank of the valley side down to the river edge and is nearly 1km long and 400m wide.
The council aims to appoint a contractor in November to start enabling works by the end of the year. A full start on site for the two-year project is expected by February 2014.
Project works
- Drilling and grouting to treat shallow mine workings
- Piling to prevent slope movement
- River bank revetment to reduce river bank erosion
- Earthworks to smooth out levels and regrade slopes
- Land drainage to reduce high groundwater levels
- New highway construction and major temporary works
