Latest newsletter confirms major construction progress and outlines what is coming next
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme is being delivered by the Environment Agency and Somerset Council in response to rising tidal flood risk. Once complete, it is expected to reduce tidal flood risk to around 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses in and around the town, as well as key routes such as the A38 and the main railway line.
The project combines a new tidal barrier on the River Parrett, near Express Park, with strengthened embankments and downstream defences towards Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich. These elements work together to manage tidal surges and protect people, property and infrastructure.
Recent milestones highlighted in the December newsletter include the temporary bypass channel now flowing, which allows the river to be safely diverted while work takes place in the main channel, and major concrete and piling works in the east and west cofferdams where the barrier structure will sit. The jack up barge has also been repositioned in the centre of the river to support construction of the central cofferdam, where the three main barrier towers will be built.
Downstream, work is continuing on new and raised embankments, haul roads and drainage, using locally excavated material from borrow pits. This reduces heavy vehicle movements and allows those areas to be restored as wetland habitat in future. Archaeological work and ecological checks, including monitoring wintering birds and protected species, are being carried out alongside construction so that the scheme progresses in line with environmental best practice.
The newsletter also explains how the barrier will operate in practice. When a tidal surge is forecast, the barrier will be closed at low tide so there is space upstream to temporarily store water. Once the high tide has passed, the barrier will be reopened in a controlled way so water can discharge safely without causing flooding downstream. In simple terms, the barrier and the strengthened embankments are designed to work together as one system.
Alongside the engineering, the update highlights wider benefits for the town. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s Blue Heritage Project is restoring local wetlands, improving natural flood storage and creating greener spaces around Bridgwater, with work at the Meads, Bridgwater Docks, local schools and Brewery Field. The project team is also continuing to meet parish councils, visit schools and colleges and host site visits so that residents, students and local organisations can see the scheme first hand.
There will be a full Christmas shutdown on site from 24 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, with the site closed and secured during that period. Work will then pick up again in early 2026 with further activity on the cofferdams, downstream embankments and associated environmental works.
Local residents and businesses who want to understand more about how the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier will protect their area, what work is planned and how the team is working with communities and the environment can read the full December newsletter here:
