EA Bridgwater Tidal Barrier

Our downstream defence works at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich are nearing construction completion. We’ve upgraded 3km of river bank and built 4km of new secondary bank. Finishing and landscaping works will continue after construction completes.

Great to join over 200 people at Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day last week. Our LEGO model sparked plenty of conversations about flood resilience, how the scheme will operate, future maintenance and progress. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat. #SomersetPrepared

Local businesses got an update on the Scheme at a business breakfast organised with @SedgemoorCoC. Discussions covered flood resilience, Design Efficiency Review & potential for a future Riverside Park as part of wider regeneration.#SedgemoorCoC

How do you build a tidal barrier in the middle of a river without stopping the river? A temp bypass channel. At the barrier site, the channel allows river&tidal water to keep flowing while work takes place. It supports fish&eel passage, safe navigation&year-round construction.

Ever wondered what those excavated areas are on the scheme? They’re borrow pits, locally sourced soil is used to build new flood defence embankment. Using local material reduces vehicle mvts, transport costs& carbon emissions. creating valuable spaces for wildlife& biodiversity.

Have you spotted our ecologists on the River Tone? Survey work around French Weir Park is helping us understand the habitats & wildlife using the river ahead of planned improvements. The findings will help us plan works carefully and minimise impacts on wildlife.

Talking flood defence in Hamp The project team joined Hamp Comm Assoc recently for an evening of conversation, qu & discussion on the scheme. 10 local residents came along, asking about dredging when the barrier will be operational & what happens to water when the gates close.

Protecting wildlife is an key part of construction planning. Works are carefully sequenced around breeding & migration periods, with ecologists & biodiversity specialists monitoring habitats & species ie - water voles, otters, bats, reptiles & birds to help minimise disturbance.

Why isn't dredging the answer? The River Parrett is a dynamic tidal river where sediment is constantly moving. While dredging has an important role in some locations, it isn't a long-term solution to tidal flood risk. That's why the we have #BridgwaterTidalBarrierScheme

Inspiring the next generation of flood risk innovators! This month #BridgwaterTidalBarrier team visited @HampAcademy, where around 90 Year 6 pupils learned how climate change is increasing flood risk and how the scheme will help protect Bridgwater and surrounding communities

Have you see our most recent quarterly newsletter? Read latest updates on the Tidal Barrier, Downstream Defences and more. Link in comments #BridgwaterTidalBarrierScheme #Newsletters #StayUpToDate

Construction continues to make strong progress on the #BridgwaterTidalBarrier. Major milestones include completion of piling in the central cofferdam, the first permanent concrete pour and work beginning on the barrier's permanent foundations. #FloodDefence #Somerset

Unearthing Bridgwater's hidden past. Archaeological investigations for the scheme have uncovered remains from the Iron Age, Roman, medieval and industrial periods, revealing the area's rich history and connection to the River Parrett. Find out more 👇Link in comments

The tidal barrier is only part of the story. New & improved downstream flood defences at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett & Combwich will work alongside the barrier to reduce tidal flood risk. Designed with climate change in mind, they can be adapted in future if needed. Link in comment

🌊 Building resilience. 🌱 Enhancing nature. ♻️ Reducing carbon. The BTB Scheme is helping shape the future of sustainable infrastructure through low-carbon construction, digital innovation and habitat creation, contributing to a reported 53% reduction in embodied carbon.

The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme has won the Digital Excellence Award at #FloodAndCoast 2026! Congrats to @AtkinsRealis for their innovative digital work helping to protect 11,300 homes & 1,500 businesses from tidal flooding.

Why closing the barrier doesn't cause upstream flooding? Barrier closes at low tide when there's available capacity in the river to temp. store water. Closures are short, typically 4–6 hrs. Once the tidal surge has passed, the gates reopen & river water continues downstream

How will the barrier work? The barrier will only close during exceptional tidal surges. Most of the time, the gates remain open, allowing the River to flow naturally. Detailed modelling confirmed the scheme can operate safely without increasing flood risk up or downstream.

Did you know? Some of the highest tides on the River Parrett happen during spring tides This is when the sun, moon and Earth align, increasing their gravitational pull and raising water levels. The BTB Scheme is designed to help protect Bridgwater during extreme tidal conditions.