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New dock gates installed to provide flood defence

ASEA A group of workers in high-vis jackets are seen standing by the new dock gates at Avonmouth Port. The Severn Estuary is visible in the backgroundASEA
The new gates have been designed to protect the area from rising sea levels

Higher dock gates have been installed to combat the threat of rising flood risks.

The Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) has installed the upgrade at Avonmouth Port near Bristol as part of their Ecological Mitigation and Flood Defence Project.

It is hoped that when completed by 2027, a total of 17km (10 miles) of flood defences will shield 2,500 homes and businesses from tidal events.

Bristol City Councillor Andrew Brown said: “These new gates, alongside the wider ASEA project, will provide robust flood protection for at least 60 years."

ASEA The new flood gates at Avonmouth Port. They are half open and water is flowing through.ASEA
The gates cost £6.8 million to install

Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and the Environment Agency are leading the ASEA project, contributing a total of £6.8 million towards the new gates.

The previous gates, which were nearing the end of their operational lifespan, formed the main entrance to Avonmouth Port.

The new gates have been designed to meet the latest flood defence standards, capable of withstanding a one in 200-year tidal flood event, with allowances for rising sea levels due to climate change.

Mr Brown added: “This initiative is crucial for Bristol’s economic future, giving businesses the confidence to invest in the Enterprise Area and helping to create new jobs.”

In addition to flood protection, the ASEA project will also create more than 80 hectares (198 acres) of wetland habitats at Northwick and Hallen.

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