The Environment Agency is launching a major flood defense scheme in Hull after securing £36.5 million in Government funding.
Work will begin this autumn on repairing flood defenses that lie within a 7.5km stretch of the River Hull.
The first phase of the project will be complete by 2019, and additional phases of work will follow.
As part of the first phase of the project, the Environment Agency will repair damaged flood walls and other weak spots to ensure that the existing level of protection will be provided for years to come.
Neil Longden, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency , said: “ The River Hull Defenses scheme is a large and complex project. We are working closely with landowners, businesses, river users and Hull City Council to develop the design and the works program. ”
Floods Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “ This £36.5m scheme is just the start of major flood defense improvements we are making in the area – and by 2021 we will invest a further £86m into the estuary reducing the risk of flooding for more than 50,000 homes. ”
Defenses along the River Hull currently provide a 1-in-200 year protection. The River Hull is also protected from tidal flooding by the Hull Tidal Surge Barrier, which is located at the confluence of the River Hull and the River Humber. During high tides and storm surges, the barrier is lowered to prevent tidal waters flowing back up the river.