Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme
Information on the tidal barrier to protect Bridgwater and the surrounding area.
Outcomes of the Design Efficiency Review
Construction is well underway on the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme, with major works progressing across the barrier site and downstream flood defences.
As one of the UK’s most significant flood risk reduction projects, the Scheme is vital to protecting homes, businesses and critical infrastructure in and around Bridgwater, and forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.
The Environment Agency is currently undertaking an efficiency review to ensure the Scheme remains affordable, deliverable and continues to provide best value for money as construction progresses.
Overview
The Design Efficiency review has confirmed that the BTB Scheme will continue to provide a 1 in 200-year standard of flood protection, which means there is a 0.5% (1 in 200) chance in any given year of a tidal flood event that exceeds the level the Scheme is designed to protect against.
The Scheme continues to safeguard around 12,800 homes and businesses. While the review has considered the Scheme as a whole, its primary focus has been on the superstructure, the tidal barrier itself.
This process has included assessing alternative design approaches and newer technologies to ensure the Scheme can still deliver the same outcomes but more efficiently, while supporting long-term reductions in operational and maintenance costs.
This approach reflects standard government assurance and value engineering practice. It helps look to reduce construction complexity, lower long-term operational and maintenance costs, and manage inflationary pressures, all while maintaining progress on site.
Construction of the barrier substructure and downstream flood defences is ongoing, and the Scheme remains fully aligned with its Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and environmental commitments.
