Work starts to improve protection to Calderdale bridge damaged in 2020 floods

Work is starting in Brighouse this month to improve flood defences near Phoenix Bridge which was damaged during the floods of February 2020.
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During the flood nine months ago, the retaining wall between Phoenix Bridge and Clifton Road Bridge collapsed.

As a temporary measure to protect the community from flooding, the Environment Agency installed one metre tall temporary barriers filled with earth at the site to strengthen the defence against large volumes of water.

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Contractors ESH, employed by the Environment Agency, will start work from November 23 for two weeks to replace the temporary barriers with pre-cast concrete blocks to provide a more robust defence to better protect the area location until a permanent solution is developed.

Phoenix Bridge in Brighouse damaged by floods in February 2020Phoenix Bridge in Brighouse damaged by floods in February 2020
Phoenix Bridge in Brighouse damaged by floods in February 2020

Jo Arnold, senior flood risk advisor for Calderdale with the Environment Agency, said: “Phoenix Bridge has been identified by our team as a priority in our programme of repairs to flood defences.

“We are working with Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council to devise a permanent solution which will better protect this location from flooding, whilst also complying with highways requirements.

“Flooding can put people’s lives in danger and cause serious disruption and this is set to become more frequent due to climate change.

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“We can’t totally prevent flooding, but during the Environment Agency’s national flood awareness campaign which runs from 9 – 16 November, we are reminding homeowners and businesses of the practical steps they can take to provide the best possible protection for their property.

“If people are aware of the risk, they can do something about it which will reduce damage to their homes and possessions considerably.”

Debris has also been cleared from the channel between Clifton Road Bridge and Phoenix Bridge to improve the flow of Clifton Beck through the culvert and reduce the risk of flooding.

This work has been classed as essential by the Government and will be carried out in line with guidelines from Public Health England on safe working during the coronavirus pandemic.