Construction begins on English coastal protection scheme

Work has begun on a two-year, £17.5 million (US$24.1 million) coastal protection project along the Fylde coast off England.

The project is a partnership between Fylde Council, VBA and the Environment Agency.

The work by VBA includes replacement of the concrete defences in poor condition along the 3.1-kilometre stretch between Fairhaven and Church Scar at Lytham St Annes, which would have required annual emergency repairs to prevent a major breach.

VBA is a joint venture between VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins.

VBA will begin the second phase of works at Fairhaven Lake towards the end of 2018. This will involve upgrading Stanner Bank car park, replacing the retaining wall and refurbishing the existing outfall drainage from Fairhaven Lake to the sea.

The project is due to be completed in 2020.