Work progresses on the Preston & South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme

Led by the Environment Agency and delivered by VolkerStevin, the team has completed and reopened two sections, along the North and South banks of the River Ribble. 

On the North side in Preston, from Penwortham Old Bridge to South End, the team has removed the old flood wall paving the way for a new, taller defence designed for future flood events. The new flood wall, which ranges in height from 1.3m to 2.3m (with an average height of 1.5m), has been constructed using pre-cast concrete units fixed to a concrete foundation, piled deep into the ground to ensure stability and durability.

One of the unique features of this section is the incorporation of 33mm thick reinforced glass panels on the top 800mm of the wall. These transparent panels not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area but also preserve the views of the river for the community.

Working around the historic Penwortham Old Bridge, a scheduled monument, posed a challenge. To ensure the new flood defences blend seamlessly with the existing structure, the team brought in a talented concrete artist. His work involved shaping and painting the concrete to match the design of the old sandstone architecture, ensuring a harmonious integration between the new and the old. The adjacent gas pipe bridge was treated with the same care. The addition of a flood wall to the archway was carefully crafted to match the sandstone blocks, keeping the historic aesthetic intact.

In addition to the flood wall, the riverbank has been reinforced along short lengths of this section. A path has been built on the west side of the wall to facilitate future maintenance and repairs. As part of our commitment to ensuring the area is left in better condition, the road and pavement has been fully resurfaced and restored. 

On the South side from the West Coast Main Line bridge to Riverside Road a new footpath has been created that will provide pedestrians with a safe route along the river, passing by newly constructed wetlands that will be completed this Spring.

The flood wall on the South side ranges in height from 0.35m to 2.2m, gradually tapering off before it meets the clay embankment. This design ensures the wall fits naturally with its surroundings while still offering robust flood protection. As with the North side, the top 800mm of this wall is made from the same 33mm thick reinforced glass panels, providing an unobstructed view of the river. The concrete artist has again worked to ensure the new wall complements the historic bridges by matching the sandstone texture and design.

As part of our ongoing commitment to quality, we have also completed a full resurfacing and restoration of the road and pavement on the South side. The result is a seamless blend of modern flood protection with the local environment, ensuring the area remains as beautiful as it is functional.

This is a significant step forward in improving flood resilience for the local community.