Environment Agency launches plans for £92m Boston flood barrier
Boston flood barrier will reduce the risk of tidal flooding
The Environment Agency is holding a series of events starting this month to explain its plans for the proposed £92 million Boston Barrier flood defence scheme. The Boston flood barrier is designed to reduce the risk of tidal flooding, such as the floods that occurred during a tidal surge in December 2013.
The Agency has been meeting prospective companies this month to discuss the design and construction of the flood barrier before the formal tendering process begins. It is planning to submit a Transport and Works Order application for the work in the spring of 2016 and hopes to have a contractor in place by the summer to work on the design in more detail. Subject to the necessary planning approvals, the anticipated start date for construction of the Boston Barrier is late 2017, with final completion expected by December 2019.
The Agency is holding a series of six events in the region to explain its plans in more detail. Adam Robinson, Boston Barrier Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “This is the last opportunity people living in Boston and the surrounding communities have to see the plans to reduce the risk of tidal flooding prior to our Transport and Works Act Order application being submitted to the Government in spring 2016. This barrier will give the area one of the best standards of tidal flood defence outside of London, so we’d like as many people as possible to take a look at the proposals.”
There will also be a public consultation on the proposed construction work and the Agency is hoping the local community will bring to its attention any relevant issues. As part of its plans to raise awareness of the scheme, the Agency has a Facebook page with information explaining the flood defence scheme in more detail, including an animated video showing the latest design changes. For more information, see the Boston Barrier Facebook page.
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