02 May 2018

Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme - Update on progress

Engineers working on Stonehaven's multi-million pound Flood Protection Scheme have created a shortlist of potential contractors to build it, following significant interest in the tender.
 
More companies than expected were interested in delivering the scheme, designed to protect homes and businesses which have previously been badly affected by flooding events around the River Carron.
 
The Council’s Policy and Resources Committee approved funding for the scheme at an estimated value of £16 million in September 2014.
 
It is designed to provide a 0.5% chance of occurrence (1 in 200-year flood event) standard of protection, including an allowance for climate change (33% increase to 2080) and a safety margin catering for uncertainties.
 
The project comprises of a number elements, including:
 
•        Alteration to five bridges along the River Carron; removing, replacing and raising the Red Bridge and Green Bridge; repositioning the Green Bridge; removing, refurbishing and reinstating the White Bridge in a raised position; replacing the Bridgefield Bridge parapet with a reinforced glass type material; and raising and widening the Beach Bridge.
•        Construction of flood walls between the Red Bridge and the river mouth.
•        The island downstream of the Green Bridge will be removed.
•        Installation of two higher capacity culverts on the Glaslaw Burn and a new culvert under the gardens of Cameron Street.
•        The construction of a new pedestrian walkway from Bridgefield Bridge to the Beach
 
The Scheme will provide a standard of protection well above the current Association of British Insurers requirements, reducing flood risk to 372 residential properties, two public utility sites, a school and an emergency service site.
 
While it had been hoped work would start on the ground this summer, the first stage of the tender process has taken longer to complete, given the level of interest from interested firms.
 
After a lengthy sifting process, a list of 13 has been shortened to five, and the project team behind the scheme is now entering the next phase of the tender.
 
It is hoped that a preferred bidder will be chosen by Autumn and that work can then start on the ground in later in the year, with an estimated construction timescale of around 24 months.
 
Landowners directly affected by the works are being contacted by members of the project team to speak about the next steps of the project and what that will mean for them.
 
Principal Engineer, Rachel Kennedy, said: "While the timescale we initially predicted has slipped by a few months, that's to be expected with a project of this size and complexity and given the significant level of interest from firms wishing to deliver the scheme on the council's behalf.
 
"The council and its consultants are keen to keep the local community informed of progress and to work through any issues as they arise, delivering a flood protection scheme which offers the community security.
 
"Clearly everyone is keen to see this important protection for the town in place at the earliest opportunity, but it has to be done right, within budget and ensuring we take account of the complex requirements across the scheme area.”