LONDON, Jan. 15 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
The Environment Agencyhas undertaken a designefficiency review to ensure theBridgwater Tidal Barrier schemecontinuescost-effective delivery without compromisingoutcomeswhile maintaining construction progress.
ThecorepurposeoftheBridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme,protecting 12,800 homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure from tidal floodingremainsunchanged.To date,thedesign changes are to thetidalbarrier superstructure.These changes allow the use of more modern methods oftechnology andconstruction,which will reduce costs.
Thesame level of flood risk reductionwill be achieved,while ensuring thescheme staysaffordable and sustainable for the long term.
What has changed?
Key refinements include:
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A 10 metre reduction in overall height:the three towers willnowbeapproximately15metres high.
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Streamlined, more uniform tower shapes with more modern mechanical systems.
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Relocation of drive equipment(that moves the barrier gates)to the base of the towers, making easier and safer access for maintenance, while reducing long-term operating costs.
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Lighter, high-levelwalkways in place of the former overbridge, providing operational access between thetowers.
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme is hosting public drop-in sessions on 21 and 23 January to show recent progress to date, and to share outcomes in relation to the design efficiency review. Project team representatives will also be on hand to answer questions.
What else is being reviewed?
While affordability is a key consideration, the review also assessed constructability, operational efficiency, carbon reduction and long-term maintenance requirements.
The review is ongoing, and further work is underway toreduce increased costsin areas such as the operational building and landscape design. Once this work is complete, an updated timeline will be published later in 2026.
RossBarton, project director for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme,said:
The review outcomes have strengthened the delivery of thescheme. It confirms we can deliver the same high level of flood protection in a more efficient and affordable way, while keeping construction moving and creating a lasting benefit for local communities.
BillRevans,Leader of Somerset Council, said:
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme is vital to the future of our communities and localeconomy. We welcome this responsible approach, which maintains flood protectionwhile ensuringthe Scheme remains affordable and on track.
Progress and funding
The jack-up barge working on the substructure of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier across the River Parrett and the completed bypass channel.
Significant progresshas been already made with construction of the barrier substructure and downstream defences. Construction of the barrier substructure will continue while the updated design for the superstructure is incorporated.
Enabling work started in early 2023.While we cannot confirm a specific end date at this stage, we expect works to continue for a further 5-6 years, including final landscaping. Our priority is to make the barrier operational as soon as possible,so flood protection is in place for Bridgwater and surrounding areas.
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme continues to receivestrong supportfrom central government, Defra and the Environment Agency and has secured significant funding already, including full approval of its business case to date (sinceSeptember 2024) for £249 million.
The cost to deliver the scheme includes the barrier and its operating buildings, new and improved downstream flood defence banks, and improved fish and eel passage at up to 12 upstream sites.
While cost pressuresremain, as is common in schemes of this scale,thereview has alreadyidentifiedmeaningful savings, and further efficiencies are being developed. These steps ensure we continue to optimise every pound invested andmaintainmomentum.
The final cost will be confirmed once the review is complete and will be published after it has been through standard government reporting.
For more information, including the concept design, answers to frequently asked questionsand dates ofdrop-insessions to show recent progress of the scheme and share outcomes in relation to the review,visit the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme website
Drop-in sessions
Join us at:
Wednesday 21 January from 5pm to 8pm
Chilton Trinity Village Hall
Chilton Trinity
Bridgwater
TA6 4PL
Friday 23 January from 10am to noon
Angel Place Shopping Centre
25 Angel Crescent
Bridgwater
TA6 3TQ
You don't need to book, just drop in at a time that suits you.
Background
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The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier willprovidea 1 in 200-year standard of protection, meaning there is a 0.5% chance in any given year of a flood exceeding the barrier's capacity.
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Protection will extend to 2125 for Bridgwater and to 2055 for the downstream communities ofCombwich, Chilton Trinity andPawlett.
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The projectremainsfully within itsexisting planning approvals under the Transport and Works Act Orderapplicationgranted in 2022. These approvals allow flexibility for changes like this without needing a new planning.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
