Construction work has started on an innovative scheme to improve Tilbury’s flood defences, informs the Environment Agency.
In a project of national importance, the existing port lock gates will be replaced with pioneering dual function lock gates, and the EA’s tidal barrier will be removed.
This is a major joint project between the Environment Agency and The Port of Tilbury that will safeguard thousands of homes and businesses in the local area.
Work started in January and is expected to last for 18 months with the new lock gates planned for installation in late 2021/early 2022.
Once the work is completed it will ensure a high standard of flood protection for Tilbury and provide a new navigation lock for operations at the busy port.
Sir James Bevan , Environment Agency Chief Executive said: “We are investing £5.2 billion in flood defences over the next 6 years. The Port of Tilbury is vital to our national economy. The new scheme is an important and exciting project that has both a flood protection and navigational purpose, and will help protect jobs and growth.”
With total scheme costs of around £34 million, the Port of Tilbury London Ltd (PoTLL) is providing a multi-million-pound contribution to the project and will take responsibility for operation and maintenance of the new dual function structure.
Funding has also been secured from the Anglian (Eastern) Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Councillor Gerard Rice represents Thurrock Council on this Committee.