UK Environment Agency awards £21.9 million contract for flood defence works in East Sussex

Construction company VolkerStevin has been awarded a £21.9 million (US$26.3 million) contract by the UK Environment Agency for improvement of flood defences on the east bank of the River Rother in Rye, East Sussex.

The scheme will raise and strengthen the existing flood embankments between Scots Float and Rye Harbour on the eastern bank of the River Rother. A flood wall will also be built between the railway bridge and A259 road bridge.

Work will also include enhancements to allow natural processes to continue by setting back the existing line of the defences at Camberfields in the centre of Rye, to create four hectares of additional intertidal habitat.