A £230m tidal barrier scheme in Somerset, on which Kier is preferred contractor, could get the green light to start construction later this year after the council gave the project its backing.
Bridgwater Tidal Barrier is intended to ensure long-term flood protection for the town and its surrounding area. It was planned by the Environment Agency and the former Sedgemoor District Council but the local authority was one of four in the county to be abolished last year and incorporated into Somerset Council.
The scheme, which will mostly be funded by the Environment Agency, is subject to sign-off by the Treasury. The quango asked the new council to sign off the partnership agreement “as a matter of urgency” so its application to Whitehall could proceed to a final decision.
A report by Somerset Council officers said: “Given the recent change in government it has become even more urgent to ensure that all necessary information and agreements are with [HM Treasury] to enable this final investment decision into critical infrastructure to be made.”
The executive of the new unitary authority backed the tidal barrier, which will sit on the River Parrett, at a meeting earlier this month. They also agreed a financial contribution of up to £13.7m.
Kier is carrying out early works on the project.
The barrier is set to consist of two large moveable gates that can be closed during very high tides.
They will be 30 metres wide by 10 metres high and will each weigh around 80 tonnes, according to the Environment Agency.
Main construction could start later this year and is expected to be completed in the 2028/29 financial year.
The Environment Agency said test piling work will begin in September, which will enable the client to confirm and finalise the barrier’s design.
A Treasury decision on the project is expected within the next few weeks.
