Flood defences downstream of Bridgwater’s new £249 million tidal barrier are on track to be completed before Christmas, the Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed. The tidal barrier, spanning the River Parrett near Express Park, aims to enhance flood protection for over 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses.
Construction of the barrier is progressing steadily, with major milestones reached including the completion of a temporary bypass channel now diverting river flows safely around the in-river coffer-dam. Inside this coffer-dam, tubular steel piles have been driven into the riverbed to support the barrier structure. Work is underway on constructing the concrete substructure, while construction of the three barrier towers is scheduled to begin later this financial year.
Downstream flood defences are advancing alongside the main barrier. At Chilton Trinity, a three-kilometre haul road is finished, paving the way for construction of the last 600 metres of secondary flood defences near the town’s household waste recycling centre. Similarly, a haul road between Dunball and Pawlett off the A38 has been completed, with flood defence works set to resume downstream of the Hinkley Point C park and ride by late June.
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To address rising costs, the EA initiated a design efficiency review in late 2025, streamlining the barrier’s design without compromising the level of flood protection. This ongoing review also explores improvements to the operational building and landscape design to further optimize cost-effectiveness. An updated timeline and revised cost forecast are expected to be published this summer.
Looking ahead, between early 2027 and 2029, twelve new fish and eel passes will be constructed upstream from the barrier on the River Parrett and River Tone. These environmental measures will help mitigate the ecosystem disruption anticipated when the barrier becomes operational.
The Somerset Rivers Authority received these updates at its June 5 meeting in Bridgwater, affirming that significant progress has been made and that the downstream flood defences are on course for completion by the end of this year.