DISRUPTION and road closures are expected as essential works on Chard Reservoir have started to help protect the dam from “extreme future flooding events”.
Construction crews have been spotted by residents at Chard Reservoir as works for a "major scheme" run by the Somerset Council are set to start.
The project, part funded by the Somerset Rivers Authority, involves building a “wave wall” to reduce the risk of the reservoir failing, culvert reconstruction and re-grading the Anglers’ car park.
The need for the upgrade was identified during an independent safety audit and is a legal requirement under the Reservoirs Safety Act.
Contractor Kier will be carrying out the work- which is expected to be completed by summer.
Residents are told to expect disruption to traffic and road closures including along Chaffcombe Lane which will be implemented from April 28 for around 10 weeks. A diversion will be in place during the works.
READ MORE: Police investigating assault and burglary in Yeovil store
READ MORE: New micropub offering 30 types of cider opening in Chard
READ MORE: Chard Reservoir works are starting to prevent flooding
Pedestrian access to the reservoir will remain open during this time and the Anglers’ car park will also remain open with access from the Chaffcombe side.
All other visitors to the nature reserve are advised to park at Oaklands car park (TA20 1HU).
Councillor Graham Oakes, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Public Health, Environment, and Climate Change, said: “It is vital that we do this work to make the reservoir more resilient and to protect local communities from the devastating effects of the dam failing.
“Chard Reservoir is a beautiful place to visit and enjoy and I am glad that people will still be able to access it during the works.”
Councillor Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), said: “The SRA’s core purpose is to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding, which is why we agreed to make a significant contribution towards the costs of this work. It will decrease flood risks for nearly 1,000 properties and benefit a wide area from Chard down to Muchelney, so it’s great to see it getting underway.”
A full ecological survey has been undertaken and wildlife in the area will be monitored throughout the duration of the work.
A small number of self-seeded trees along the dam's crest were removed or cut back earlier this year in preparation for the work.
Share