The Environment Agency and Somerset Council have awarded the Construction Continuation Contract, allowing work to progress on the barrier structure.

The latest award forms part of a phased procurement strategy adopted by the Environment Agency to minimise financial risk, manage construction inflation and allow detailed design work to be developed before committing to the full capital build.

The project has also undergone a design efficiency review aimed at maintaining cost-effective delivery without compromising flood protection outcomes or slowing construction progress.

The core purpose of the scheme remains unchanged, with the project designed to protect around 12,800 homes, businesses and critical infrastructure from tidal flooding.

Revised tidal barrier design

Design changes have focused on the barrier superstructure and include reducing the height of the three towers by 10m to around 15m, introducing more streamlined tower forms and modern mechanical systems, relocating the drive equipment to the base of the towers to improve maintenance access and lower operating costs, and replacing the previous overbridge with lighter high-level walkways.

The Environment Agency said the refinements will achieve the same level of flood risk reduction while ensuring the scheme remains affordable and sustainable over the long term.

Kier has been on site since 2023 and has already completed complex enabling works, including temporary structures needed to create safe working platforms and foundations for the barrier.

A key milestone was reached in April with the departure of the Haven SeaSeven jack-up barge, marking the completion of temporary works for the bypass channel and in-channel cofferdam and paving the way for construction of the permanent structures.

Once complete, the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme will protect thousands of properties and businesses from tidal flooding and safeguard key infrastructure across the area until 2125.