Save Our Bridge Boxted criticises Essex Highways' flood assessment

The protestor group Save Our Bridge disagrees with Essex Highway’s assessment of Boxted Bridge, in Wick Road, over the River Stour.

Essex Highways conducted a flood risk assessment and categorised it as flood risk zone three, meaning it would only have a 1 per cent annual probability of flooding from rivers.

However, the group believes this categorisation is “misleading” and the rivers surrounding the bridge are in fact in the category of flood zone three-B which is also known as the functional floodplain.

Protestors - A previous photo of the group taken on the bridge (Image: Save Our Bridge Boxted)

Flooding - Recent flooding on Wick Rock near the bridge (Image: Save Our Bridge Boxted)

This category means that area around the bridge has a 3.3 per cent or greater annual probability of flooding instead.

A spokesman for the group said: “The Essex Highways’ works duration estimate to replace the bridge is 10-12 months.

“Given there is a high probability of flooding to the immediate works area to the bridge, and the difficulties of working in an ecologically sensitive, functional flood plain, this would inevitably lead to bridge construction delays and cost over runs.”

Wet - A proposed field near the bridge which could be home to construction and plant machinery for the proposed bridge replacement (Image: Save Our Bridge Boxted)

It comes after a 2018 inspection confirmed that the bridge was showing signs of distress, including corrosion, delamination, deformation and cracking, meaning that the bridge erected in 1897 may be coming the end  of its lifespan.

An option study led by Essex Council in 2020 explored all possible options to fix the bridge, however the council decided to pursue the option of replacing the existing structure and widening it to allow emergency vehicles such as fire engines to manoeuvre through the area safely.

River Stour - A previous photo of the bridge in high water during flooding (Image: Save Our Bridge Boxted)

Save Our Bridge believes the current bridge can be repaired and saved on smaller budget compared to a full on replacement.

The bridge was closed off from the public in June due to worries over safety.

A spokesman for Essex Council said the categorisation was based on information from the Environment Agency. 

They said: “The Environment Agency’s Flood Map for Planning indicates the site is located within Flood Zone 3.

“The flood risk assessment undertaken is based on hydraulic modelling of the River Stour provided by the Environment Agency. This includes 1D and 2D maximum flood levels, depths and extents.

“These indicate maximum water levels of 8.62m and 8.68m above ordnance datum (AOD) for a one in 100-year event, plus climate change, and a one in 1,000-year event, respectively.

“The existing minimum soffit level of 9.77m AOD would be maintained, and there would be no change in the channel conveyance and flow area under the maximum flood levels modelled for all events. This means there would be no increase to fluvial flood risk. 

“The project is currently in the feasibility study stage and awaiting a planning decision. Following this, the design stage will see a construction risk assessment carried out. This will consider all activities of the construction, including location of the site compound. The potential location of the site compound can also be found in the planning application. After the design stage, the duration of the works can be confirmed.

“The cost for remedial works indicated in the principal inspection report only relates to the main elements. It is not a true reflection of the total repair costs, which include other associated expenses such as site compound and access arrangements.”