Northwich's £7m flood defences to be tested this weekend
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 06:14 · Archive
The Environment Agency will conduct an overnight exercise testing Northwich's £7m flood defence scheme protecting 400 homes and businesses.
The Environment Agency will conduct a large-scale overnight exercise testing Northwich's £7m flood defence scheme this weekend. The exercise, running from 5pm on Sunday 11 October to 5am on Monday 12 October, forms part of the Environment Agency's winter preparedness programme and will involve erecting 69 metres of temporary barriers and closing 12 floodgates across the town.
The Northwich Flood Risk Management Scheme protects around 400 homes and businesses and has been in place since June 2018. Temporary barriers will be installed at Waitrose, Baron's Quay and Dane Bridge on London Road, which will be closed to traffic with an alternative route signposted for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. At Dane Bridge, a double layer of lightweight aluminium barriers forms a channel to keep the River Dane contained and prevent water reaching London Road or Watling Street. The floodgates can be shut rapidly to form a protective seal against rising floodwater.
The Environment Agency will work alongside Cheshire West and Chester Council and United Utilities to rehearse joint over-pumping arrangements, whereby heavy-duty pumps manage surface water while the temporary defences and floodgates are in operation. The exercise will also allow the Environment Agency to carry out routine checks and maintenance on the defences while practising emergency response procedures with partner organisations.
How it is being reported
- Emergency flood barriers to be deployed as town's river defences put through pacesNorthwich's £7 million flood defence scheme will be put through its paces this weekend as the Environment Agency carries out a large-scale overnight exercise ahead of winter.Northwich Guardian · 9 Oct, 05:00
- Northwich's £7m flood defences to be put to the test this weekendThe temporary flood barriers protect around 400 homes and businessesCheshire Live · 8 Oct, 14:58
In this story: Environment Agency · Northwich · Cheshire West and Chester Council · United Utilities · River Dane · River Weaver
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