Final stretch of Kendal flood scheme moves into construction phase
Preparatory works are under way for the last central section of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme, with contractors set to start on Aynam Road this month after utility diversions were completed.
The Environment Agency has confirmed site preparation will begin on Monday 17 August, following the diversion of a high- and low-voltage electricity line by Electricity North West (ENWL) and a BT cable relocation by Openreach. Early operations will involve riverside surveys and the removal of tarmac and footpath surfaces to make way for piling and construction of a new flood wall.
- Start of site preparation: 17 August
- Riverside lane and footpath closures: reinstated 11 August
- Piling due to begin: October (where piled foundations are required)
- Right-turn ban onto Nether Bridge from Aynam Road: one week from 7 September
The riverside vehicle lane between Miller Bridge and Nether Bridge will act as an essential work area for the contractor VolkerStevin, who will build the new wall. To protect the public and workforce the Environment Agency says the riverside vehicle lane closure along Aynam Road has been reinstated from Tuesday 11 August. Pedestrians using the riverside footpath are being directed to the pavement on the opposite side of the road; Jennings Footbridge and the nearby pedestrian crossing will remain open.
“Aynam Road is the final section of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme in the centre of Kendal. This is a significant milestone in delivering better protection for local people and businesses from the impact of flooding in the future,” said Zohel Ali, Environment Agency project manager for Aynam Road.
Work at the Nether Bridge end will include use of a sonic rig to test ground conditions. Because of limited working space there will be a temporary restriction on vehicles turning right onto Nether Bridge from Aynam Road for one week from Monday 7 September; a signed diversion route will be provided for drivers during that period.
What the scheme will deliver
The Environment Agency says the overall Kendal scheme will bring improved flood protection to a substantial number of local properties and will include environmental enhancements such as landscaping and native tree and seed planting.
| Benefit | Number |
|---|---|
| Homes to be better protected | 1,920 |
| Businesses to be better protected | 2,250 |
Where required, the flood wall will be founded on piles, with piling work scheduled to start in October. The project team says the location is complex because several key utilities have had to be moved before construction could begin.
Local drivers and pedestrians are being asked to follow the temporary traffic and footpath arrangements while work is carried out. The Environment Agency has thanked the public for their patience during the utility diversions and the start of the construction phase.
Local impact and what to expect
Residents and businesses close to Aynam Road should expect an extended period of construction disruption as the riverside lane becomes a working area. While pedestrian access along Jennings Footbridge will remain available, the riverside footpath is closed in the work area and foot traffic is routed to the opposite pavement.
The reinstated vehicle lane closure is intended to protect workers and road users as heavy plant and materials are brought in. The one-week right-turn restriction onto Nether Bridge will affect some local journeys in early September; organisers say diversions will be clearly signed.
For further updates, road-users and residents should consult notices from the Environment Agency and follow local signage during the works.
Reporting from Kendal for WE NEWS.
