SRA Annual Report 2020-21: Bridgwater Tidal Barrier

Bridgwater Tidal Barrier is a major project led by the Environment Agency and Sedgemoor District Council, with support from Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA). Its purpose is to reduce flood risks to more than 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses.

An artist's impression of Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in the River Parrett between Express Park and Chilton Trinity. — An artist’s impression of Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in the River Parrett between Express Park and Chilton Trinity.

The project has three main elements: a tidal barrier on the River Parrett between Express Park and Chilton Trinity; 4.3 kilometres (2.67 miles) of new flood defence banks and 2.8 kilometres (1.74 miles) of raised banks downstream at Chilton Trinity, Combwich and Pawlett; and fish and eel passage improvements at 12 sites upstream of the barrier.

The SRA put £2 million of Growth Deal money from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership towards project costs, up to the application for the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) which is needed to build the Barrier. A TWAO application was submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in December 2019.

Activities in 2020-21

During 2020, the TWAO bid successfully passed through a process of statutory consultation and written representations. On 8 January 2021 Defra said the TWAO had been passed to its Secretary of State for a decision, which is now expected soon.

The £100 million project will be funded 80% by central government and 20% by local partnership funding. In March 2021 the SRA Board agreed to put £300,000 towards the local funding required, and to support the principle of providing further contributions in future years. It is hoped to start construction in 2022-23.