Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme gets a more efficient design

The Atmosphere Company has undertaken a design effectivity evaluate to make sure the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme continues cost-effective supply with out compromising outcomes whereas sustaining development progress.

The core function of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme, defending 12,800 properties, companies, and important infrastructure from tidal flooding stays unchanged. So far, the design modifications are to the tidal barrier superstructure. These modifications enable using extra trendy strategies of know-how and development, which is able to scale back prices.

The similar degree of flood danger discount can be achieved, whereas making certain the scheme stays reasonably priced and sustainable for the long run.

What has modified?

Key refinements embody:

• A  10 metre discount in total top: the three towers will now be roughly 13 metres excessive.

• Streamlined, extra uniform tower shapes with extra trendy mechanical programs.

• Relocation of drive tools (that strikes the barrier gates) to the bottom of the towers, making simpler and safer entry for upkeep, whereas decreasing long-term working prices.

• Lighter, high-level walkways rather than the previous overbridge, offering operational entry between the towers.

The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme is internet hosting public drop-in classes on 21 and 23 January to indicate current progress so far, and to share outcomes in relation to the design effectivity evaluate. Venture crew representatives will additionally be available to reply questions.

What else is being reviewed?

Whereas affordability is a key consideration, the evaluate additionally assessed constructability, operational effectivity, carbon discount and long-term upkeep necessities.

The evaluate is ongoing, and additional work is underway to scale back elevated prices in areas such because the operational constructing and panorama design. As soon as this work is full, an up to date timeline can be revealed later in 2026.

Ross Barton, undertaking director for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme, mentioned:

The evaluate outcomes have strengthened the supply of the scheme. It confirms we will ship the identical excessive degree of flood safety in a extra environment friendly and reasonably priced means, whereas holding development shifting and creating a long-lasting profit for native communities.

Invoice Revans, Chief of Somerset Council, mentioned:

The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme is important to the way forward for our communities and native financial system. We welcome this accountable method, which maintains flood safety whereas making certain the Scheme stays reasonably priced and on observe.

Progress and funding

Important progress has been already made with development of the barrier substructure and downstream defences. Development of the barrier substructure will proceed whereas the up to date design for the superstructure is included.

Enabling work began in early 2023. Whereas we can not affirm a selected finish date at this stage, we anticipate works to proceed for an additional 5-6 years, together with remaining landscaping. Our precedence is to make the barrier operational as quickly as potential, so flood safety is in place for Bridgwater and surrounding areas.

The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme continues to obtain robust help from central authorities, Defra and the Atmosphere Company and has secured important funding already, together with full approval of its enterprise case so far (since September 2024) for £249 million.

The price to ship the scheme contains the barrier and its working buildings, new and improved downstream flood defence banks, and improved fish and eel passage at as much as 12 upstream websites.

Whereas value pressures stay, as is frequent in schemes of this scale, the evaluate has already recognized significant financial savings, and additional efficiencies are being developed. These steps guarantee we proceed to optimise each pound invested and preserve momentum.

The ultimate value can be confirmed as soon as the evaluate is full and can be revealed after it has been by means of normal authorities reporting.

For extra data, together with the idea design, solutions to often requested questions and dates of drop-in classes to indicate current progress of the scheme and share outcomes in relation to the evaluate, go to the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme website  

Drop-in classes

Be a part of us at:

You don’t have to ebook, simply drop in at a time that fits you. 

Background

• The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier will present a 1 in 200-year normal of safety, which means there’s a 0.5% likelihood in any given yr of a flood exceeding the barrier’s capability.

• Safety will lengthen to 2125 for Bridgwater and to 2055 for the downstream communities of Combwich, Chilton Trinity and Pawlett.

• The undertaking stays totally inside its current planning approvals beneath the Transport and Works Act Order utility granted in 2022. These approvals enable flexibility for modifications like this with no need a brand new planning.