Redcar’s flood defences reached a major milestone last week when the last of the giant concrete blocks that make up the new 2.7 kilometre sea wall was put into place by Environment Agency contractors.
As part of the £30 million scheme an eleven storey high crane using vacuum lifting equipment has been lowering the individually-shaped pre-cast pieces into place since May 2011. 1,555 concrete pieces have been used, each weighing up to 28 tonnes.
The Environment Agency has contributed £25.5 million to the scheme, with a further £4.6 million from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. Work started in February 2011 and should be completed in spring 2013.
The specially designed blocks that make up the wall include a curved wave return section at the top that will reduce the power of the waves and help stop sea water breaking over the top and flooding the town.
Donna Robinson of the Environment Agency said:
“When the Redcar scheme is complete it will reduce the risk of flooding to 978 homes and 209 businesses. We estimate that the sea will rise by around 85 cm over the next 100 years, and without the wall a further 184 homes and 98 commercial properties would be at risk, along with key roads and underground utility services.”
The regeneration of Redcar’s sea front is a key aim of the scheme, alongside reducing the risk of coastal flooding and erosion.
Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Rural Affairs, Cllr Christopher Massey, said:
“The flood defence scheme due to be finished in spring next year will significantly reduce the risk of flooding and erosion along the Redcar coastline. And with sea levels predicted to rise in the future I am sure the long term benefits of this scheme will far outweigh the short term inconvenience to residents and visitors to the town.”
Simon Kirtlan, Senior Site Agent, Birse Coastal, said:
“We are delighted to reach this landmark on what is an important scheme for the town and wider region. Works are now well advanced and on schedule for completion in spring next year.”
Once the wall is complete there is still work to do on the scheme, including reinstating and improving the promenade behind the new defences in partnership with the Council, plus further work on the Stray.
Redcar sits on a naturally eroding coastline. The old sea wall protected residents and businesses for many years, but the regular battering by the waves meant repairs were often needed.
When work started on the new scheme in 2011, one of the first jobs was to drive 900 steel piles into the bedrock underneath the beach, to support the new sea wall. Seafront artwork was removed and will be reinstated as part of the new promenade.
Albion Water, the first NAV (New Appointment & Variation) to have been established in1999 and now under the ownership of SDS Water Group, has appointed Andy Holland as its new Director of Business Development.
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality.
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.