Works to reduce flood risk in Exeter continue

From 7 November, BMM JV, working on behalf of the Environment Agency, will divert cables and water mains on the Quayside to make way for the installation of concrete piles to support the flood gates outside the waterfront.

Work will also start on temporary defences – barriers that can be put up when flooding is likely – which follow the line of the existing bollards at the quay. New bollards will hold the barriers in place during a flood. Foundations for this work will need a lot of space – so large excavation notices will be put in place. Cobbles and existing paving will be reinstated. Work will also start to build a flood wall on the Piazza Terracina.

Access to all areas of the quay will remain open during works but there will be localised diversions in place at times to achieve this.

During winter 2017/18, flood defences around Quay Bridge and the Samuel Jones pub area will be completed. Some disruption will be experienced during this time but the quay will remain open throughout works.

Richard Cox, for the Environment Agency said: "We continue to build the flood defences in a way which minimises disruption to those living, working and visiting Exeter.

"We have listened to traders and business owners to plan this work in the least intrusive way possible."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highway management and flood prevention said: "Flooding can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. Overall, this vital scheme will reduce flood risk to more than 3,000 homes and businesses in Exeter.

"We understand that quay residents want to know what is being done and why and how it will affect them. This is why we have been talking to businesses, a dedicated phone line and email was set up and updates have been posted on social media."

On 5 November construction starts on a 120 metre concrete flood wall on Bonhay Road. 60 metre of the wall will be adjacent to Bonhay Road. To carry out this work safely a 2-way traffic light system will be used during weekdays, 9am to 4.30pm.

Councillor Hughes added: "We have done everything possible to minimise the impact on road users.

"We understand traffic restrictions are an inconvenience but they are essential in order for us to ensure we can complete this vital work. We hope by limiting our work to these hours we can reduce the impact we have on the busiest times of day.

Councillor Rachel Sutton, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for City Development, said: "The scheme has made excellent progress to date. Working together, the Environment Agency, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council have developed plans so that the scheme can be built with minimal disruption to residents and local businesses.

As part of the works, a large tree which is growing within the footprint of the new wall’s foundations are being constructed will need to be removed. To do this safely, Bonhay Road will be closed on the following dates: