Work Progress on the Phase 1 of Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme

Half of the River Aire at Crown Point Weir has been blocked off this week to allow the installation of a movable weir as part of Phase 1 of Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The Environment Agency has worked with Leeds City Council and other partners to develop Phase 1 which comprises a combination of flood defense options.

One of these measures is the use of movable weirs which are being installed at Knostrop and Crown Point in Leeds.

Around 1500 tonnes of rock have been dropped into the river to create a platform for the heavy plant vehicles which will be used to drive the sheet piles in to create a cofferdam. A cofferdam is a temporary enclosure built in the river which allows the water within to be pumped out to create a dry working environment.

Once the working area is dry, work to install the movable weirs can begin. This is expected to start in August.

While the work is taking place a penstock will be in place in the fish pass and operated if the river rises to reduce flood risk to Leeds. The council’s contractor, BMMjv, will operate the penstock and keep in touch with EA flood duty officers during periods of high river levels.

Crown Point Weir is just one element of Phase 1 of the flood alleviation scheme for Leeds.