The Environment Agency has appointed the VBA joint venture (JV) to work on a £21m flood defence scheme in Ipswich.

VBA is a JV between VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins.

A 30 metre wide tidal barrier gate is to be built along the River Orwell and construction is due to begin later this month.

It will prevent surge tides and allow control of fluvial flow.

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The work will complete the defences which the EA has been upgrading in recent years.

Piled flood defence walls will be built on either side of the barrier along with a control building, while mechanical and electrical equipment will be installed.

Further works include installing flood gates on the east and west banks within the flood walls, scour protection and landscaping works.

Mark Gardner, framework director for VBA, said: "This project is a great opportunity for VBA to showcase its capabilities in flood defences as well as create a safer environment for those who have been impacted by flooding."

Once the project is completed, VBA will maintain the new tidal barrier for two years.

(LM/CD)