DRONE photographs show the latest progress at the Bridgwater tidal barrier site, where construction work has begun. 

The barrier on the River Parrett, located between the Express Park and Chilton Trinity, is being developed by the Environment Agency and Somerset Council to mitigate the rising risk of tidal flooding in Bridgwater town centre and the surrounding area.

It is expected to be operational in early 2027. The main route for construction traffic, Barrier Way, is almost finished, and test piling works began on Monday.

Providing an update on the project, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Construction on the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme, which will be one of the largest flood schemes in the country protecting over 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses, is underway.

“The western access track (to be known as Barrier Way) is near completion and this will act as the main route for all construction traffic, thus reducing disturbance to the community in Chilton Trinity.

“We are carrying out test piling works this week (September 18) to allow us to confirm and finalise the design and understand the noise and vibration impacts in the surrounding area.

“During the test pile, we expect the impact of noise and vibration to be higher than the level experienced during construction.

“We’ll be monitoring throughout to establish the most effective mitigation to employ during the main works.

“By the end of the year detailed design will be complete. The scheduled completion date is 2027.”

Bridgwater Mercury: The Bridgwater tidal barrier project is being carried out by the Environment Agency and Somerset Council.The Bridgwater tidal barrier project is being carried out by the Environment Agency and Somerset Council. (Image: Somerset by Drone)

In June, the Mercury reported that the project cost of £128 million may rise significantly due to the impact of inflation on the construction industry.

In a written report, Nol Vincent, the Environment Agency’s project executive, said: “Our project cost consultants are reviewing and updating prices and we are revisiting our project risks.

“We expect to have a good indication of the revised figures in the next couple of months.

“As inflation affects both costs and benefits, we are confident that the project will continue to enjoy a very favourable benefit-to-cost ratio.”

As well as the barrier, the project will see the creation of new downstream flood defence embankments and improvements made to existing ones. 

Improvements will also be made to fish and eel passage at 12 sites upstream of the barrier on the rivers Parrett and Tone. 

Bridgwater Mercury: An artist's impression of the Bridgwater tidal barrier.An artist's impression of the Bridgwater tidal barrier. (Image: Somerset Council)

The council's latest Bridgwater tidal barrier newsletter, published in August, says: “We started construction of the western access track (to be known as Barrier Way) in May and it is near completion. 

“As part of these works, we have constructed a stone trackway from Saltlands Lane, over the historic landfill site, to the main western compound.

“This track will act as the main route for all construction traffic to the barrier site and associated Chilton Trinity downstream defences, thus reducing interface with the local road network in line with the traffic management plan that is publicly available.”

It adds: “The establishment of the main barrier compound is now well underway.

“As part of this work, we have cleared and removed the foundations of two kiln structures, removing underground voids and obstructions, which will enable us to construct the river bypass channel.”

The project has attracted funding from the Department for Education to allow it to engage with four schools that are at risk of flooding. 

Pupils have learnt more about the impacts of flooding and what the barrier will do to protect communities when it is up and running.