New information about plans for the proposed £92 million Boston Barrier flood defence scheme is being launched by the Environment Agency at a series of events starting next week.
The £92.3 million tidal flood alleviation barrier has been designed to reduce the risk of tidal flooding and will protect Boston from a repeat of the tidal surge that happened on 5 December 2013.
The information includes a new computer animated video showing the latest design changes and the tidal flood defence scheme in more detail than ever before.
The new information will also be available to see on the scheme’s Facebook page.
The Agency has been meeting prospective companies this month to discuss the detailed design and construction of the Boston Barrier. Potential suppliers have been invited to Boston to discuss the project before the formal tendering process begins.
The Environment Agency is aiming to have a design and build contractor in place by summer 2016 so that detailed design work can start when the Transport and Works Act Order is submitted.
Subject to the necessary approvals being in place, the Agency said this would allow construction work to begin as soon as possible. Anticipated start date for construction of the Barrier and associated works is late 2017, with final completion expected by December 2019.
The Environment Agency is holding a series of six events between 25 November and 3rd December to explain their 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 looking at the proposed construction of the barrier and any issues this may result in that the Environment Agency needs to be aware of.
Click here to visit the Boston Barrier Facebook page
Click here for more information on the Environment Agency’s major three-day conference and exhibition Flood and Coast 2016 which takes place from 23rd to 25th February 2016 in Telford.