Bridgwater tidal barrier

Overview

Join ICE Taunton City Club to discuss the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, designed to reduce tidal flooding risk for homes and businesses in Bridgwater, Somerset. The barrier will cross the River Parrett downstream, with new fish and eel passes upstream and improved flood banks downstream.  

The scheme comprises the tidal barrier itself, and an operational site including a control building, a stoplog store and an energy centre. The standard of protection against flooding will also be maintained by improving the flood defence banks downstream along the River Parrett at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich.

Twelve new or improved fish and eel passes will be installed upstream to mitigate any future effects of barrier operations on fish migration. Early access road and ground improvement works are in progress. In-river works will start in early 2025. 

The presentation will cover the background and reasons for the scheme and will then describe the journey so far. The team will highlight some key challenges in detailed design, procurement and construction planning, and will show the programme to completion.

Programme