A £6.5m low-carbon flood mitigation project in Northumberland has been completed by BAM, as part of the Hexham Flood Alleviation Scheme
The flood alleviation structure will protect 90 across two important industrial areas that are prone to flooding from the Rivers Tyne and Skinnersburn. The scheme was opened on September 7 by Guy Opperman MP.
These rivers have a history of recurrent flooding, most notably during Storm Desmond on December 5, 2015, when they caused damage and disruption at the Bridge End and Tyne Mills Industrial Estates.
How will the flood alleviation structure work?
On the south bank, at Tyne Mills, a new 300-meter flood defence has been built extending from east of the Northumbrian Water Peth Head Pumping Station and running along the perimeter of the Northumberland County Council yard, crossing the Skinnersburn, and connecting to higher ground.
A new 370-meter flood defence has been built on the north bank at Bridge End, running from the existing flood embankment behind Egger UK Ltd to the former Reiver Sports site, which will move any water to elevated terrain in the northwest corner.
The flood alleviation project includes a combination of flood walls and grass embankments aimed at safeguarding Hexham’s commercial areas. The initiative will improve job security by protecting workplaces, ensuring businesses remain operational, and supporting the local economy.
Pioneering low-carbon concrete
The project has contributed to carbon reduction by using two innovative low-carbon concrete mixes in the UK for the first time. These eco-friendly, low-carbon mixes have been applied to two sections of the defences, totalling 27 meters in length.
“We are delighted that the £6.5m flood scheme at Hexham is now complete, reducing the flood risk to 90 properties ahead of winter this year. For those affected by flooding, the impact can be catastrophic and life-changing,” said Leila Huntington, environment agency operations manager.
“We hope these defences will bring peace of mind to everybody living and working in the area and will for many years to come,” she added.
The project received £5.7m in government funding as part of the larger £5.2bn investment allocated for flood defences nationwide between 2021 and 2027.
Arup was hired alongside BAM for the design and building of the flood defences. Northumberland County Council also played a crucial role by contributing additional funding to support the project.
“It has been fantastic to support the Environment Agency in the delivery of these vital flood defences in Hexham,” commented Gareth Farrier, divisional director at BAM.
“The success of the scheme is the result of the incredible collaboration between the Environment Agency, Arup, BAM and our suppliers, which has delivered not only long-term flood protection for the town but also a pioneering low-carbon concrete design,” he concluded.
