SRA Annual Report 2021-22: Introduction to Resilient Infrastructure
Two of the six main objectives in Somerset’s 20 Year Flood Action Plan relate directly to making Somerset’s infrastructure more resilient. One is to ‘Maintain access for communities and business’, another is to ‘Ensure strategic road and rail connectivity, both within Somerset and through the county to the South West peninsula’.
Both these targets stem from the frustrations of 2013-14, when floods closed 81 roads, often for long periods. Countless people suffered difficulties. Businesses lost time and money. 86% of Somerset businesses were badly hit, costing the local economy up to £15 million.
As it oversees the Flood Action Plan, Somerset Rivers Authority therefore deals with highways as well as waterways. Extra maintenance works funded by the SRA benefit many places where roads are prone to flooding. Drainage improvements and detailed studies also help to keep people moving along safer roads.