VolkerStevin has had its contract extended to deliver further flood defence improvements along the River Rother, as part of the UK Environment Agency's Rother Tidal Walls East project, originally awarded in 2022.
The scope of works to date has included raising the existing flood embankments, building two new set back sections of embankment to create new salt marsh habitat, installing around 600 linear metres of sheet piled walls and 30m of reinforced concrete walls.
Under the newly awarded extension, VolkerStevin will install a further 50m of sheet piles, this time at the toe of the existing riverbank. In addition, the embankment will be faced with 40-200kg rock armour. The additional works are to protect the newly constructed flood defences from erosion along a fast-flowing bend of the river, a 35m river in East Sussex/Kent, a western tributary in West Sussex.
Mobilisation and construction of the temporary works are already underway, with piling scheduled to take place in May this year using a 500t crawler crane. Once piling is successfully completed, the team will place the rock armour before demobilising from site, marking the overall completion of the project.
During previous works, the UK contractor trialled the use of a 12t spider excavator like the Menzi Muck M540. This type of excavator was found to stabilise itself on the embankment slope without an engineered platform. It also had the power to lift and drive a 5m long steel sheet pile. It was the first time this type of excavator has been used in this way.
"We are delighted to have been awarded further works at Rother Tidal Walls East and continue our strong working relationship with the Environment Agency in the area," said Andy Pilbeam Project Manager. "It has been an amazing project to be part of; aside from the construction works, we have undertaken community engagement and built strong relationships with many of the locals. We have also trialled some great innovations here, which have delivered significant benefits to the project. The team and I are looking forward to another successful season on the scheme."
