Essential survey work of the existing coastal defences along Embankment Road in Bembridge has got underway this week as part of a wider refurbishment project proposed by the Environment Agency.
Over the next 6 weeks, specialist ground penetrating radar (GPR) will be used to capture images below the surface of the ground without the need for digging or excavating. This work will help to build up a picture of existing ground conditions where coastal defence refurbishment is being proposed, and any areas that might require more detailed investigation later in the year.
The Environment Agency, in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, with expert support from JBA Consulting and VolkerStevin, is exploring a sustainable future for the coastal frontage at Embankment Road, with a focus on the area from Bembridge Sailing Club in the east to St Helens sluice gates in the west.
The project aims to investigate the challenges facing this area of coastline now and in the future, and to develop opportunities to protect and enhance the environment for future generations. Options being considered involve repair of the Embankment Road defences in the short term, and a study to determine the most appropriate way of managing the coastline over the longer term, for the next 100 years, as the risk from sea level rise increases.
Over the coming weeks the main road – the B3395 – is being surveyed by ground penetrating radar towed by a vehicle, whilst off-road surveying is being done manually by equipment on wheels – much like a pram. Another element of the survey work is the inspection of utilities with chamber covers being lifted to ascertain the depth of services therein.
Motorists may experience delays heading in and out of Bembridge this week with stop/go boards required to enable the survey team to safely lift chamber covers. Peak hours will be avoided where possible to minimise traffic disruption.
The project is in its very early stages and no decisions have yet been made about how best to address the flood and erosion risks in this area.
Gabion cages constructed from stainless steel mesh can be used to line the harbour, they can be added to to increase height IF needed, and can be used to protect the coast line from being eroded by the sea. A thin concrete water proof backing can then be used instead of a hugely costly thick concrete wall, thus saving millions of pounds in concrete, and tons of CO2, so for sure, it will not be adopted by this council.
Instead millions spent on talking with over paid consultants, millions more on some unsightly out of keeping barriers, which will likely be either OTT or ineffective.
Gabion cages with thin concrete waterproof backing are the way to go. Ivy knows.
Very sensible post Ivy. We are using such cages at the site where Bogeys old discotheque once was. Marvellous and adaptable.
You ought to be on the Council.