A new video update from the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme gives local businesses and residents a behind-the-scenes look at one of the area’s biggest infrastructure projects, showing the people, engineering and hard work behind the major flood risk reduction scheme.

At the tidal barrier itself, marine operations are now complete and work has moved on to the foundations. Permanent concrete structures are taking shape, and reinforcement is now under way beneath the central pier, meaning the barrier is set to rise from the riverbed for the first time.

Progress is also strong across the downstream defences. At Chilton Trinity, the new secondary embankment now connects to the seepage cut-off wall, creating a continuous flood embankment through the village. At Pawlett, the secondary embankment is complete, the primary embankment is being widened and a new steel flood wall stands at the end of River Road. In Combwich, the primary embankment is complete, permanent culverts are in place and landscaping is getting under way.

The video also features some of the archaeology uncovered during construction, including the remains of a Victorian brickworks at Pawlett, which has been carefully recorded and preserved.

For Bridgwater and the surrounding communities, the scheme is designed to reduce tidal flood risk, protecting homes, businesses and the area’s long-term resilience. Seeing the progress first-hand is a good way to understand what’s being delivered.