Before work on the new wall could begin, sixty temporary screw piles were installed to support lifting and piling operations. A guide wall was then constructed for the secant piling. A concrete capping beam was constructed to complete the wall, which is now the new flood defence.
Throughout the project, special equipment was deployed to monitor any potential movement of the wall and ensure it was only shifting within permissible limits. As the team were working close to water, a live water emergency rescue exercise and dry run training was held every fortnight.
The works also took in the demolition of a number of old structures on the bank, including a warehouse, gatehouse and decommissioned electrical substation. A pontoon was installed on the river side to collect any stray debris.
Local schoolchildren were invited to the site to have the project explained to them first-hand while recruitment advertising was posted on local sites to engage with the community.
A number of letter drops were carried out prior to the start of the project and at monthly intervals afterwards to keep the local community informed of progress. Jackson’s site office also had a drop-in centre so local stakeholders including businesses and residents were able to approach the team with any queries.
