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 Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme funded?
Funding for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme comes from a partnership of national, regional and local sources, reflecting the Scheme’s importance for flood risk reduction, economic growth and national resilience. These include:
- Defra (Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid and Other Government Department contributions)
- Environment Agency
- Somerset Council (via Community infrastructure Levy, S106 and Town Deal Funding)
- Heart of the South West LEP
- Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (Local Levy)
Other contributors are the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Department for Education (DfE), and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).
A large proportion of the funding from Somerset Council is from developer contributions secured through the planning process, such as Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). These contributions are collected by the Local Planning Authority and allocated to essential infrastructure, such as flood defences, where this is necessary to enable safe and sustainable development.
This partnership funding approach is typical for major flood risk management schemes and ensures public funding is used responsibly to deliver long-term benefits for communities.
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.