Boston Barrier Flood Defense Scheme Step Closer

The Environment Agency will today ask the Secretary of State to grant powers to construct and operate the Boston Barrier through a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO).

The Boston Barrier scheme is part of a phased approach to reduce the risk of tidal flooding to approximately 14,300 properties in Boston over the next 100 years.

Starting today, copies of the submitted TWAO documents will be made available to interested parties and members of the public.

The TWAO, if granted, would allow the construction of a new tidal barrier with a movable gate across the River Witham and a new building to enable operation of the barrier.

It would also authorize the construction of new flood defense walls on both banks of the Haven, a replacement gate across the entrance to the existing Port Wet Dock and enable the Environment Agency to execute ancillary works, including dredging of the river.

Copies of the relevant documents will be available from today for local inspection at Boston Borough Council offices and the Environment Agency’s Boston Barrier Community Hub for a period of 6 weeks.