SRA Annual Report 2022-233: Bridgwater Tidal Barrier
Bridgwater Tidal Barrier is a major project led during 2022-23 by the Environment Agency and Sedgemoor District Council (now Somerset Council), with financial support from Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSWLEP). The project will reduce flood risks to more than 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses.
It has three main elements:
- a tidal barrier across 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.
Activities in 2022-23
Lot of activities took place in 2022-23, including:
- detailed design work on the barrier and its control building, downstream banks, fish and eel passes, and the bypass channel and in-river coffer dam that will be needed during construction;
- developing the Final Business Case for submission to HM Treasury;
- ground investigations;
- archaeological investigations;
- vegetation clearance and asbestos removal in preparation for building an access road for barrier construction vehicles;
- work with four local schools;
- drop-in sessions and meetings with local residents, landowners and businesses;
- and work with the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust on new wetland site The Meads.
Updates about the Barrier are published for the SRA’s quarterly Board meetings.
More information can also be read on the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier page of the Somerset Council website.