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<p>The Environment Agency has made significant progress with the Bridgwater Tidal
Barrier scheme. The detailed design for the barrier and downstream banks is nearly
complete. Environment Agency contractors are on site carrying out enabling works (constructing
site compounds and access tracks and undertaking vegetation clearance). This will
allow the construction of the bypass channel, barrier structure, control building
and downstream banks over the next four years.</p><p> </p><p>The Bridgwater Tidal
Barrier is a flagship scheme delivering protection to 12,800 properties, along with
£2 billion benefits for the local area. The scheme is expected to achieve £7.50 of
benefits for every £1 spent.</p><p> </p><p>Like many other major capital schemes,
the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier project has seen cost increases due to inflationary pressures
in construction, not least on concrete, steel, energy and labour costs, all of which
are major elements of the scheme’s cost. The project is exploring options for funding
as well as for efficiencies and savings to ensure that an operational barrier can
be delivered as planned by early 2027. Identifying the optimum construction sequence
will also enable us to achieve best value.</p>
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