£249m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Gets Green Light

The Environment Agency has confirmed that the £249m Bridgwater tidal barrier in Somerset has passed its final business case approval.

This large-scale project will significantly reduce flood risks to thousands of homes and businesses in the area. However, the project has faced various challenges, from rising costs to environmental setbacks.

What happened

• The Bridgwater tidal barrier project, a part of Somerset's 20-year flood action plan, was initially costed at £100m when approved in 2022.

• Since then, costs have surged to £249m due to inflation, design changes, and unforeseen issues like the discovery of asbestos.

• The Environment Agency confirmed that the latest approval provides “the greatest certainty” that the project will move forward.

Why it matters

Somerset has been historically vulnerable to flooding, especially during high tides and storms. The new tidal barrier will:

• Protect 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses from severe tidal floods.

• Deliver an estimated £2bn in economic benefits, making it a key asset for local development and infrastructure.

• Improve resilience for Somerset’s agricultural lands, wildlife, and transport links.

By the numbers

The project, once completed, will:

• Provide £7.50 in benefits for every £1 spent.

• Protect a total of 12,800 properties, delivering flood prevention and strategic infrastructure growth for the local area.

• Receive significant funding contributions, including £13.7m from Somerset Council and £9.1m from housing developers, regeneration grants, and business rates.

The big picture

• The tidal barrier is part of a broader flood mitigation strategy developed after the devastating 2013/14 Somerset floods.

• The barrier will cross the River Parrett and include a footbridge to improve pedestrian and cycling access.

• The project is supported by the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and Local Enterprise Partnership, with construction slated to complete by 2027.

What’s next

With the final business case approved, full-scale construction is expected to begin before the end of 2024. Somerset Council’s financial commitments and additional Treasury backing are essential to keeping the project on track.

The big question remains whether ongoing inflation and construction challenges will push costs even higher, but local officials are optimistic that the timeline and budget will hold.