Ipswich Tidal Barrier

CASE STUDY

Temporary Works Coordination for new rising sector gate on the River Orwell.

Client:

Principal Contractor:

Ipswich Tidal Barrier during construction viewed from across water

The Project

The Ipswich Tidal Barrier project was the final element of a £70m programme of work by the Environment Agency (EA) to upgrade flood defences on the tidal River Orwell and at the Port of Ipswich.

The purpose of the project was to design, fabricate and install a 20m-wide sector steel barrier gate that could be closed during a flood event.

This was a flagship project for the Environment Agency, being the first rising sector gate constructed in the UK since the Thames Barrier was built in 1982.


The Temporary Works Solutions

Wyre Design Works’ Principal Engineer, Dan, was directly employed by VolkerStevin to work as the Temporary Works Coordinator and Sub-Agent on the project for the Marine works.

Dan coordinated the design of a marine cofferdam incorporating a point well dewatering system as well as any required enabling works, such as crane platforms and assessments of the existing river walls. He was also responsible for the day-to-day running of the site and supervising the cofferdam installation.


Temporary Works for Lasting Results

The barrier in Ipswich now provides flood protection to approximately:

1,500 residential homes

400 commercial properties


A View of the Work