Flood Defences to Help Secure Carlisle’s Future
A £24 million project underway in Carlisle will help to improve the city’s flood defences.
Faithful+Gould has been appointed, as part of its framework agreement with the Environment Agency, to act as ECC project managers for the second phase of a project which will ensure that the flood damage which happened in 2005 does not recur. Faithful+Gould will be working as part of a team which includes contractors Volker Stevin and both Jacobs and Halcrow which are providing design services.
This project comprises the construction of reinforced concrete and sheet piled defence walls, as well as new embankments at critical locations along the Caldew and Eden rivers.
The scheme also includes the demolition of two existing footbridges and a disused railway bridge and the construction of two new replacement footbridges.
As parts of the project are very close to the city centre and the construction work is in environmentally sensitive areas, there are strong ecological influences on the work in and around the river. Particular attention has been focused on the impact it will have on otters, bats, voles, fish, birds and also plants, all of which must be protected and, where possible, their habitats improved.
This project further strengthens Faithful+Gould’s relationship with the Environment Agency, which appointed the consultancy to the framework nearly two years ago. Brian Clennell, Associate Director at Faithful+Gould said:
“Although still in the very early stages of the project this is a great opportunity for our team to demonstrate our knowledge and understanding of these schemes and ensure that the appropriate measures to control change and unforeseen circumstances are implemented.”
“We will be working in close cooperation with the other experienced team members to ensure that this phase comes in on time and within the cost allocated. By adopting a proactive approach to risk management we will be able to provide real added value to the client.”
The Environment Agency and its suppliers carried out a significant amount of work prior to the first phase of the project being completed in April 2008. This new phase is set to finish by October 2009.
Keith Roddy, Project Manager at the Environment Agency added:
“Since Carlisle suffered severe flooding in January 2005 it is our priority to ensure that if the UK experiences similar weather conditions again the area would be better prepared. This project goes a step closer to achieving this.
“As the scheme involves a continuing interface with the public, residents, schools and businesses in Carlisle, we are working to ensure minimum disruption to their everyday lives and that safety is not compromised at any point throughout the programme. Faithful+Gould, along with the rest of the team, is playing a key role in this.”