The construction of the Exeter flood defense scheme is now well advanced with completion of the whole scheme expected at the end of 2018, reports the Environment Agency.
The project – a partnership between the Environment Agency, Devon County Council and Exeter City Council – will reduce the risk of flooding to more than 3,200 homes and businesses in Exeter.
As part of the new defenses being built in the north of the city it will be necessary to close Station Road from 9 April 2018 for 9 weeks. Station Road is located near St David’s Station and links Exwick Road to Cowley Bridge Road across the River Exe, the EA said in the release.
Two flood gates will be built across Station Road on either side of the river and the flood relief channel.
According to the Environment Agency, it is necessary to close Station Road to vehicles during the construction work due to the size of the foundations required to support the gates. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able use the footpaths across the bridges except for the 4 weekends in May when complete closures will be in place.
Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environmental Services said: “ This is an essential element of the flood defense scheme and these flood gates will reduce flood risk to hundreds of homes and businesses in the city. Every effort will be made to minimize disruption during the closure of Station Road, but the long term benefits will outweigh the short term inconvenience.”
The Environment Agency will be holding a drop-by briefing on Station Road on 12 March 2018 from 4pm to 7pm to explain the works and diversion routes. The briefing is in the public car park on the Exwick side of the bridge.