Construction work is about to begin on the second phase of Exeter’s flood defense scheme.
The work on a new flood embankment around Exwick playing fields will start next week (5 September).
Two out of the three playing fields will remain open during the works but the third playing field, which is closest to the health center, will be used to stockpile material and provide onsite facilities until the embankment is complete.
Although the construction is expected to be completed by spring 2017, the playing field will need to be kept out of use until it is restored to its previous condition.
Phase 2 of Exeter’s £32 million scheme, which started in July, aims to reduce flood risk to 3,200 homes and businesses. Work is progressing well, with 25,000 tonnes of material already being moved from Bromham’s Farm to Cowley field.
Investigation work has been carried out at the Quay to check the precise location of utilities such as power cables and gas pipes. Construction work on new demountable flood defenses will then start in November – avoiding the busy summer season. By Christmas, work will also have begun around Bonhay Road and Okehampton Road.
Phase 1 of the scheme got underway in 2014 and saw construction work just downstream of Exeter Quay. The Trew’s flood relief channel and the side spill weir at the top of the channel have been lowered.
This increased the flow capacity of the flood relief channel, which will help reduce flood risk during high river flows. The check weir at the downstream end of the flood relief channel will be removed later in 2016 to increase flow capacity further.
Exeter City Council and Devon County Council each contributed £3 million to the scheme. £6 million has come from government growth funding and the remainder is being funded by flood defense grant in aid.
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