Works on the £100 million Boston Barrier project, which received final Government approval just before Christmas, are about to begin, according to the Boston Borough Council.
The scheme – which will better protect more than 14,000 properties from tidal flooding – was given the green light by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Michael Gove, and HM Treasury.
On Monday, January 8, pontoons in the river along London Road will be moved across the river and moored on the Ports Quays, downriver of the Swing Bridge, reported the Council.
“ It is expected the moorings will be off-station for approximately four weeks while the Port carries out maintenance dredging at the pontoon site on behalf of main contractor Bam Nuttall/Mott McDonald (BMMJV). After completion of the dredging, the pontoons will be returned to their original position ,” the Council said.
The Council also added that from Monday, January 15, onwards there will be significant amount of works commencing in the Haven. Around 75 meters of scour protection piling works will begin at the Port of Boston’s starch berth situated between the grain loading silo and Dani Foods.
All piling will take place from the shore, using a tracked crawler crane. The expectation is that the 19 meter-long piles will not swing out over the river but mariners have been advised to take extra caution when navigating in this area. Warning signs will be erected at either end of the works. Piling will take place during the hours of 7am to 7pm.
The tidal barrier will feature a movable gate across the River Witham (also known locally as The Haven), together with a new control building to operate the barrier, new flood defense walls on both banks, and a replacement gate across the entrance to the existing Port of Boston wet dock.