The Environment Agency and Somerset Council have awarded a £101 million (approximately $133.7 million) Construction Continuation Contract to infrastructure firm Kier, marking a significant step forward in the delivery of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme.
The contract covers ongoing construction activity, including completion of the barrier's substructure, as the project moves toward its later delivery stages. The scheme forms part of the UK government's National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England. It is intended to provide long-term flood protection for communities, businesses and infrastructure in the Bridgwater area.
Kier has been active on site since 2023, completing enabling works that established the working platforms and foundations for the tidal barrier, as well as advancing the downstream defences. A notable recent milestone was the departure in April of the Haven SeaSeven jack-up barge, which had been a fixture of the Bridgwater skyline for over a year. Its removal marks the end of temporary works for the bypass channel and in-channel cofferdam, and the transition to construction of the barrier's permanent structures.
When complete, the tidal barrier is expected to reduce flood risk for approximately 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses in the area.
Sonal Mitra, Deputy Director at the Environment Agency, said the scheme required close collaboration and a phased approach to delivery, adding that the agency remained focused on ensuring it delivered lasting flood resilience and value for money.
Ross MacKenzie, Managing Director of Natural Resources at Kier Infrastructure, described the project as nationally significant and said the contract reflected the strength of the partnership between Kier and the Environment Agency.
