The Environment Agency is working in partnership with Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council and Littlehampton Harbor Board to improve the tidal flood defenses along the East Bank of the River Arun in Littlehampton.
The work is being carried out by the contractors, Volker Stevin.
The Environment Agency started building the scheme at the end of October 2013 but has been delayed for several reasons.
The wettest winter on record during 2013 and 14, coupled with high winds, made construction work impossible during a period of 3 months. There were also equipment and plant issues, and problems with the detailed design that needed to be rectified. Due to these complex issues, the budget has increased to £22.1 million.
Since these problems have been addressed the program has remained stable and should be finished by April 2015.
The scheme will improve flood defenses from the lighthouse on the Promenade, to north of the A259. It will raise the height of flood defenses on the east bank from Arun Parade near the mouth of the River Arun, through the town center to north of the A259.
There is a stretch of flood defense along River Road that was not included in the East Bank scheme. This is because there are a number of development options for the site that include the reconstruction of the river wall.
The Environment Agency will continue to closely monitor this section until a future developer implements a permanent solution for the site.
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