New £4m flood barrier opened in Rotherham

The barrier, at Forge Island, is part of the Rotherham renaissance flood alleviation scheme, which will reduce the risk of flooding to the town centre, businesses and Rotherham Central railway station.

Construction work began on the barrier in August 2021 and was completed in August 2022.

The construction of the barrier required around 50 tonnes of steel reinforcements and 1,000 tonnes of concrete.

This included 450 tonnes of low carbon cement free concrete, which resulted in a saving of 44 tonnes of embedded carbon dioxide.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “The new canal barrier at the Rotherham Lock is a fantastic focal point of the flood alleviation works and showcases all of the hard work done by our Flood Risk Team and partners during the project. The canal barrier has already become an iconic part of the Rotherham town centre skyline, and will provide reassurance and protection for countless residents who live and work alongside the River Don.

“The canal barrier is a great example of what the council and its partners are doing to prepare and act so that reduce risk to damage and to life from flooding in Rotherham.”

Darren Blank, project manager at Jackson Civil Engineering, said: “The project has been highly challenging whilst proving rewarding in all aspects of civil engineering and teamwork.

“We look forward to continuing to deliver flood resilience projects in Rotherham in the future, thereby protecting the residents and businesses as we move into a changing climatic period.”