With 50% of the work on the Shoreham Adur Tidal Walls scheme now complete, construction is expected to finish by the end of 2018.
The Shoreham Adur Tidal Walls scheme is being carried out by Mackley, working as part of Team Van Oord and on behalf of the Environment Agency, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, Adur District Council and West Sussex County Council.
Work on site commenced in October 2016, and when complete the scheme will significantly reduce flood risk to more than 2,300 properties in Shoreham and East Lancing, as well as protecting important local infrastructure such as the road network, railway line and Shoreham Airport.
The scheme is separated into 10 reaches, or lengths of the estuarine bank. The design of the flood defences varies between the reaches as they have different characteristics and are subject to different pressures and potential flood impacts. The defences include steel sheet piling, concrete walls, flood glass and earth embankments.
Work is currently on-going at eight of the 10 reaches, with five reaches – E1, E3, W2, W4 and W6 – largely complete and partly re-opened to the public.
Part of the scheme, W5, is being constructed adjacent to 42 houseboats, which presents specific challenges.
The Environment Agency appointed Team Van Oord to lead on consultation with the houseboats owners to agree aspects of the permanent design, reinstatement, access, temporary utilities and parking.
The consultation has provided a sound basis for construction of W5, which is now underway.
Environmental considerations
The scheme’s design and construction is sensitive to the unique heritage and environment of Shoreham-by-Sea.
An archaeological investigation and extensive ecological survey work have been undertaken to protect existing habitats and vulnerable species.
The construction work has been programmed around key periods for breeding and migration of vulnerable species, and specific protected native reptile species (slow worms and common lizards) have been relocated to avoid harm during construction. Where this translocation of species has occurred, the habitat has been managed to discourage the reptiles from re-entering the construction area. Once construction is finished, the habitat will be restored to allow recolonisation to occur naturally.
Angela Spinks, Public Liaison Officer for the Shoreham scheme, said: “Construction can be disruptive and we have plans in place to minimise potential impacts.
“We have an environmental management plan for the work, which includes how we are preserving the local heritage and ecology, as well as a traffic management plan, noise and vibration assessment, and a dust management plan.
“The scheme is very complex and technically challenging and there are many things that we cannot control – for example the weather and the tide – which can have an impact on our work.
“We would like to thank members of the local community for their patience and support, and hope everyone is pleased with the good progress we’ve made over the first year of construction.”
Why not pop in and see the progress for yourself?
A dedicated project visitor centre is open at Beach Green Car Park (within the site office compound). Opening hours are 12.00 until 17.00 Monday to Friday (hours may vary according to demand). You can either just drop in, or visit by appointment (07703 452752).
18 January 2018
