Glyn Neath Flood Alleviation Scheme

Installation of blockstone scour protection to riverbank supplemented with erosion control matting to upper faces. All works undertaken in the river used a construction platform and silt control measures.

To gain access to the river and construct the works it was necessary to work within the rear gardens of 30 properties. At the end of the project the gardens were re-instated without complaint from the owners.

Additional works included the construction of 600m of reinforced concrete floodwall to the top of the bank. The flood wall passed through the rear of 2 businesses that had to be kept open throughout the duration of the works

The excellent liaison with the residents and businesses which were kept open for the duration of the works contributed to the scheme success. The project was completed on time with defences in place before the winter. The scheme was under PAR budget.

Project Features

• The Site Foreman introduced a positive safety initiative for the safe working of height restricting excavators working under electricity on this scheme. He was presented with a Carillion Values Award and his idea adopted throughout CRCE at the national (Safety Awareness Group) SAG conference. The construction method and use of plant was carefully developed to work under 33 kV overhead cables. This avoided the need for expensive diversions and mitigated delays.
• A Value Engineering proposal to use blockstone eliminated the use of soil nails that had associated construction and latent maintenance risks. An innovative use of soil nails was however used as bank protection.
• Materials were sourced locally from recyling centre in line with WRAP protocols.
• Excellent public liaison with local visits and newsletters resulted in less than ten minor complaints in total. Liaison with local anglers to maintain water standard during complex works in the river.

Glynneath Flood Alleviation Scheme.