Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme
Information about the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme, protecting Bridgwater and the surrounding area from tidal flooding
Protecting Communities | Building Resilience | Adapting for the Future
Implementing vital community infrastructure protecting residents, businesses and networks from the increasing threat of tidal flooding. By deploying a state-of-the-art tidal surge barrier alongside new and improved downstream defences, this scheme not only mitigates flood risk but also looks to transform Bridgwater into a more resilient, sustainable community.
Integrating an environmental corridor featuring wetlands, heritage features, and new recreational spaces, the scheme offers additional economic, social, and environmental benefits, creating a lasting legacy of enhanced quality of life now and for future generations.
Overview
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme is a partnership between the Environment Agency and Somerset Council to help protect Bridgwater and surrounding communities from tidal flooding.
The scheme includes a new tidal barrier, an operational site with control building, downstream flood defences at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich, and improvements to fish and eel passage at up to 12 upstream locations. Together, these measures will reduce tidal flood risk to around 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses.
Designed as a single, integrated flood risk management system, the scheme will help communities adapt to rising sea levels and the increasing impacts of climate change. Alongside reducing flood risk, it will deliver environmental improvements, support sustainable growth and help protect the area’s economy, infrastructure and natural environment for future generations.
The Design Efficiency Review
The implementation of a Design Efficiency Review in late 2025 provided an opportunity to reassess and refine the scheme, achieving cost increase mitigation, reducing construction and maintenance costs, simplifying operations all while still delivering the agreed outcomes and benefits.
The Design Efficiency Review does not reduce the approved scheme cost. It mitigates the scale of cost increases that would otherwise arise due to inflation, market conditions and design complexity.
The Design Efficiency Review is demonstrating that the scheme can be optimised for delivery and long-term value while maintaining its flood risk reduction benefits, operational resilience and approved design intent.
Since publicly launching the Design Efficiency Review in January 2026, the project has progressed the tidal barrier design from concept stage through outline design and is now at 90% detailed design (July 2026). The design remains on track to reach 100% completion in Autumn 2026, providing a robust and deliverable solution for construction.
This progress reflects extensive collaboration between the project team, designers, contractors and partners to refine the design while maintaining the scheme’s operational, safety and resilience requirements.
Read the full update, view the 90% design and find answers to our most frequently asked questions. .
