Milestone achieved at Mytholmroyd flood defences

Credit- Shutterstock. Mytholmroyd - DECEMBER 31: Heavy and persistent rainfall from storm Eva creates flooding and structural damage at the river Calder: December 31, 2015 in Mytholmroyd, UK.

The first milestone has been achieved at the Mytholmroyd flood defence project, part of the Calderdale flood alleviation scheme.

A footbridge has been installed and flood walls built as part of the initial construction phase at Cragg Brook. The new steel bridge will provide pedestrian access upstream of the railway viaduct between the back of the Shoulder of Mutton pub and Streamside Fold. With the old footbridge removed to allow the new flood walls to be installed, the new bridge provides access to new footpaths created as part of the scheme. Work to improve drainage, landscaping and lighting has also been carried out around the pub carpark, while an access ramp and safety handrails have been fitted to improve access to the bridge.

The new bridge is designed and manufactured by Huddersfield-based company CTS Bridges.

New flood walls have now been constructed, with glass panels installed at the back of the pub to provide views of Cragg Brook, also known as Elphin Brook.

Mark Tupman, senior flood adviser for the Environment Agency, said: “In designing the works we have worked closely with Historic England and Calderdale Council to ensure our work considers the Conservation Area status of the surrounding environment.

“While the flood walls are constructed using new natural stone, they will become weathered and blend in with the existing stone over several months. It is extremely difficult to find an exact match to the original stone used along parts of Cragg Brook as that stone has had many years of exposure to the elements. The quarry where it was first sourced is also no longer in existence. There are a range of stone and brick types on buildings surrounding the defences and the works will provide cohesion to the existing environment.”

The £30M Mytholmroyd Flood Alleviation Scheme has been developed by the Environment Agency in partnership with Calderdale Council and is expected to be completed over the coming winter. Design and construction of the scheme is being carried out by Main Contractor VBA, a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business.

The scheme includes vital works such as teh construction of new, raised and improved flood walls, the relocation of the Caldene Bridge and widening of the river channel at key locations, as well as flood proofing of buildings located next to the river.

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