Your questions
Why is the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme needed now?
The need for this Scheme forms part of Somerset’s 20-year Action Plan, which was accelerated in response to the devastating floods in 2013 to 2014 in the local area. It is also a key part of Somerset Council’s (formerly Sedgemoor District Council) Local Plan to encourage development and growth for businesses and properties in Bridgwater.
In 2014, prolonged rainfall and high tides led to severe flooding across the Somerset Levels, impacting homes, agriculture, and infrastructure and prompting the need for significant flood mitigation strategies.
Many homes and businesses within Bridgwater and surrounding villages in the lower Parrett catchment rely on raised defences for tidal flood protection. The risk of flooding is expected to increase with climate change and consequent sea level rise to approximately a 7% chance per year of flooding and overtopping of the banks. A tidal barrier and improved downstream defences are considered to be the most effective method of flood defence to reduce the increasing risk to Bridgwater and the surrounding area.
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme has secured legal authorisation under a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) signed by the Secretary of State, and substantial government funding to address these flooding challenges. Early works included ground and archaeological investigations and ecological surveys, aiming to integrate flood defences with local ecological and community enhancements.
If a barrier isn’t built, are the existing flood defences fit for purpose?
The existing floodwalls and bank defences through Bridgwater and downstream are adequate for now. However, tidal flooding combined with high flows in the River Parrett did nearly result in flooding of the town in 2014. We believe a barrier is the best long-term solution. This is because the standard of the flood defences will decline through age and as sea levels rise due to climate change and there becomes a point when we must take a better approach for the future.
How is the Scheme being funded?
Funding for the Barrier is coming from the Environment Agency, Somerset Council, the Somerset Rivers Authority, DofE and HM Government.
This is a partnership project led by the Environment Agency (EA) with Somerset Council as the key partner and contributor of funds. Contributors are DEFRA providing FDGiA and ODG, Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Wessex Regional Flood Defence Committee through Local Levy. Other contributors are the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Department for Education (DfE), and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).
How much does the Scheme cost?
The total cost of the scheme is £249m, funded by Defra, Somerset Council, Somerset Rivers Authority, Department for Education, Local Enterprise Partnership and Local Levy. The work began in 2023, with construction of the barrier itself started in 2025. We will keep our communities informed with updates as the timeline progresses. Once the barrier and all site works are completed, the planned landscaping for the scheme will follow.
This cost to deliver the scheme, includes the barrier and its operating buildings, new and improved downstream flood defence banks, and improved fish and eel passage at 12 upstream sites.
Creating more and better habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife is a key part of our work towards creating climate resilient places. The design of the scheme includes the use of clay material dug from nearby fields to raise existing and build new flood defence embankments. These ‘borrow pits’ will fill with water over time, to create valuable wetland habitat that will provide ‘stepping-stone’ linkages between the internationally designated sites of the Severn Estuary and the Somerset Levels and Moors.
With the cost-of-living crisis and increase in construction materials in the last few years, is there an increase in costs for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme?
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme has seen cost increases due to inflationary pressures in construction. Not least on concrete, steel, energy and labour prices, all of which are major elements of the scheme’s cost.
Discussions are well underway at the highest level within the Environment Agency, Defra and HM Treasury to ensure any additional funding required is secured to deliver an operational barrier by 2028.
The protection to 12,800 properties that this flagship Scheme will deliver, along with £2 billion benefits for the local area, mean it remains a hugely positive asset for the town, with the Environment Agency expecting to achieve £7.50 of benefits for every £1 spent.
Bridgwater has approx. 13,500 homes and businesses at risk of flooding.
Public and political commitments have been made over the last decade to provide a level of flood protection to the town. In recent years that commitment has evolved into a flood barrier across the River Parrett.
When will the contract for the construction of the barrier be awarded?
The procurement process for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme is managed by Defra Group Commercial, ensuring a clear scope of work and value for money. We have received a priced proposal from the selected contractor, who has identified potential efficiencies that could bring cost savings. Our experts are reviewing these to ensure the best outcome. While the main barrier contract will be awarded later this year, early works—such as piling for the bypass channel and cofferdam—are already underway to keep the project on track.
Why is it being placed between Express Park and Chilton Trinity?
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme has been carefully planned with the community, environment, and future resilience in mind. After public consultation, technical studies, and environmental assessments, the best location for the barrier was identified between Express Park and Chilton Trinity.
Here’s why:
- We had the greatest confidence of achieving the permissions for construction at this location and it is the most cost-efficient site.
- The location does not hinder future infrastructure plans, allowing other narrow parts of the river to remain free for a potential road crossing or bypass.
- It reduces risks linked to unstable riverbanks, unpredictable silt build-up, and costly dredging near Dunball Wharf.
- Multiple access points to the site during construction mean less disruption to the community during construction.
- The design aligns with Somerset Council’s Green Infrastructure Plan, providing future pedestrian and cycle connections with off-road routes.
Why was the final design chosen?
After assessing multiple flood defence options, this twin vertical design was chosen because:
- It performs best in high silt environments (important for the River Parrett!)
- It’s easier to maintain and replace, ensuring long-term reliability.
- It uses proven technology, similar to other major sluices in Somerset.
- It keeps operational costs and carbon emissions low over its lifetime.
- This barrier isn’t just about protecting homes and businesses—it’s about building a more resilient Bridgwater for generations to come.
Has all the funding been approved?
The cost of the whole scheme, including barrier, operational site, downstream flood banks at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich and 12 upstream sites with improved fish and eel passage, is £249 million.
Major schemes like Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme receive annual funding allocations.
Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme has secured £49 million in partnership funding.
Millions of pounds of investment has already been achieved in order to pave the way for construction to begin on the Scheme.
The remaining funding of the project is forecast over the next five years, meaning further funding allocations are expected.
Full business case approval in September 2024 means Bridgwater Tidal Barrier qualifies for a further £200 million in funding from the Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid (FDGiA).
The £43 million investment announced by Defra on 5 February 2025 forms part of the Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid allocation.
Considering that work has begun, the business case and the funding already secured, we are confident the scheme will receive its expected future funding allocations and be completed to better protect people, their homes and businesses from flooding.