KIER AWARDED £101M CONTRACT TO ADVANCE BRIDGWATER TIDAL BARRIER SCHEME

Kier has secured a £101m contract to continue construction of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme, a nationally significant flood defence project designed to protect thousands of homes, businesses and critical infrastructure across Somerset.

Awarded by the Environment Agency and Somerset Council, the Construction Continuation Contract will support the next phase of delivery, including completion of the barrier substructure and progression towards construction of the permanent tidal barrier.

The project forms a key part of the UK’s National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy and is one of the largest flood defence schemes currently under construction in England.

Project Overview

📍 Bridgwater, Somerset

👤 Client: Environment Agency & Somerset Council

🏗 Contractor: Kier

💰 Contract Value: £101m

🏢 Sector: Flood Defence & Infrastructure

🌊 Project: Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme

Development Details

The scheme is designed to reduce tidal flood risk to approximately:

🏠 11,300 Homes

🏢 1,500 Businesses

The wider project includes:

• A tidal barrier across the River Parrett

• Downstream flood defences at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich

• Fish and eel passage improvements at up to 12 upstream locations

• Environmental enhancements and habitat creation

• Associated infrastructure and flood resilience measures

Significant progress has already been achieved on site, including completion of enabling works, safe working platforms, foundations and temporary works associated with the bypass channel and in-channel cofferdam.

ConstructNet Supply Chain Analysis

As construction progresses into the next phase, opportunities are likely to continue emerging across a range of specialist infrastructure and environmental packages.

Potential opportunities may include:

• Civil engineering contractors

• Marine and river engineering specialists

• Reinforced concrete contractors

• Ground engineering specialists

• Steel fabrication and installation contractors

• Temporary works providers

• Environmental and ecological consultants

• Drainage and water management specialists

• Surveying and monitoring providers

• Plant hire and specialist equipment suppliers

• Traffic management contractors

• Material suppliers and logistics providers

Given the long-term nature of the programme, the project is expected to continue supporting regional supply chains and specialist infrastructure providers throughout delivery.

ConstructNet Intelligence

The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme represents one of the UK’s most significant flood defence investments and forms a critical part of Somerset’s long-term resilience strategy.

Beyond protecting homes and businesses, the scheme will safeguard key infrastructure, support economic growth and deliver environmental improvements across the region.

The award strengthens Kier’s position within the UK flood defence and water infrastructure sector, while providing a substantial pipeline of construction activity as the project moves towards delivery of the permanent tidal barrier.