The Environment Agency and Somerset Council, working with infrastructure partner Kier, have reached another major milestone on the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme by awarding a £101m Construction Continuation Contract.

The award moves the national infrastructure project into its next stage, supporting ongoing construction activity such as completing the barrier’s substructure, while maintaining momentum towards later phases and final delivery of the scheme.

The flagship programme contributes to the UK government’s National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England, providing long-term protection for communities, businesses and vital infrastructure vulnerable to tidal flooding.

Since 2023, Kier has advanced works on site, with downstream defences progressing at pace and completion of complex enabling works that created safe working platforms and foundations for the barrier.

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A familiar sight on the Bridgwater skyline for over a year, the Haven SeaSeven jack-up barge departed in April, marking the end of temporary works for the bypass channel and in-channel cofferdam, and the transition to constructing the barrier’s permanent structures.

On completion, the scheme is expected to reduce tidal flood risk for around 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses, protect key infrastructure and support long-term economic resilience across the area.

Sonal Mitra, EA Deputy Director for the Environment Agency, said: "Delivering infrastructure of this scale requires close collaboration, careful planning and a phased approach to delivery. This next stage of the scheme will enable continued progress on critical construction activity while supporting the construction of the tidal barrier itself. We remain focused on ensuring the scheme delivers lasting flood resilience, achieves value for money and provides wider environmental and community benefits for the area."

Ross MacKenzie, managing director of Natural Resources at Kier Infrastructure, said: "Together, we are focused on delivering a resilient, long-lasting flood defence that will help protect Bridgwater and surrounding communities. This contract award reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership with the Environment Agency and the significant progress our talented teams have already made on site. We are proud to be shaping such a nationally significant project that will leave a legacy for Somerset communities."