The Environment Agency has completed the third year of construction on the Stallingborough flood defence scheme, meaning 2,300 properties now have improved protection from flooding.

Launched in 2023, the project is designed to safeguard homes, nationally important infrastructure and key industries in Lincolnshire, with measures intended to withstand the impacts of climate change for at least the next 25 years.

By enabling new development and protecting transport links and utilities, the scheme is expected to deliver around £1.1 billion in economic benefits over the next quarter-century. A new power station is under way, large development plots can progress, and rail stations and highways now have increased resilience to flooding.

Two principal elements are being delivered: placing rock armour along the sea wall and refurbishing four outfalls that carry water from the land to the Humber estuary.

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In 2024, contractors installed large granite rock along 3 km of the sea wall to absorb wave energy and cut overtopping. This year, teams sealed small gaps around pipelines and upgraded access routes to the outfalls to support future inspection and maintenance.

The outfalls play a vital role in reducing flood risk by allowing water to drain from the defended hinterland into the estuary.

Mark Adams, the Environment Agency's local Client Lead for the project said: "Another key milestone has been achieved to better protect local communities and businesses. Once fully completed next year, this project will better protect 2,400 properties from flooding for at least 25 years. Throughout our work we have been factoring in the challenges of climate change."

Environmental safeguards are built into the programme, with works near the estuary paused each year from October to March to protect overwintering birds. A bee bank has also been created for protected sea aster mining bees, which is already attracting nesting bees.

Starting a year early in 2023 avoided inflated material costs and secured temporary storage areas, saving £5 million and bringing earlier protection for communities and industry.

The scheme has an estimated cost of approximately £33 million. One further year of work is planned to finish construction next year, including a new overflow at Oldfleet Drain linking to Middle Drain pumping station to further reduce upstream flood risk, alongside additional outfall resilience upgrades elsewhere. When complete, the project will better protect 2,400 properties.