The Environment Agency has released details about the flood alleviation work currently being carried out along Warrengate Road.

The work, to try to prevent Mimmshall Brook flooding, is expected to take six months.

In October 2000 many residents living along Warrengate Road were forced to evacuate their homes when Mimmshall Brook burst its banks.

This work is aimed at trying to prevent that happening again.

This map shows the extent of the flood plain problem to the south and west of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). When viewing the map try clicking the arrows along its edge to see more of the area.

The flood alleviation work involves the closure, to all but residents and service vehicles, of Warrengate Road immediately south of the Three Valleys pumping station bridge, to the junction with the Hawkshead Lane bridge and includes the short road connecting Warrengate Road to Swanland Road.

October 2000 - Warrengate Road is on the left, Mimmshall Brook on the right   Camera courtesy of Fujifilm

According to the Environment Agency, pedestrian, cycle and equestrian access will be maintained, but will be controlled.

There will be some short-term work in Hawkshead Lane, but this will be controlled by traffic lights.

A map has been produced showing the diversion route for the closures.

The agency says traffic management will be in operation and people are urged to take notice of diversions and access management on the site.

The work will involve large delivery lorries, plant and machinery, but the agency says every effort will be made to minimise the impact on the users and residents along and in the vicinity of Warrengate Road and the surrounding properties.

Work will be carried out between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to noon on Saturdays, unless exceptional circumstances dictate.

The agency says some disruption and noise is inevitable and it has apologised in advance for any inconvenience.

The agency says the work will be carried out with due regard to birds, bats and trees.

In a news release about the work, the Environment Agency says site operations will involve:

• A site compound in the field west of Mimmshall Brook accessed on the raised bund (embankment) area within the road closure
• Service diversions
• Piling operations
• Floodwall building
• Highways drainage, signage and resurfacing
• Earthworks
• Landscaping and planting.

The agency says the finished scheme will provide protection to a one in 50-year flood return period and comprise:

• 405m steel sheet piling and concrete capping beam along the west bank of the brook
• Brick clad flood wall on the boundary of number 84 Warrengate Road and part of number 1 Swanland Road
• 16m double door vee flood gate close to Hawkshead Lane to close Warrengate Road in times of flood
• Road closure barriers, diversion signs and improved lighting agreed by the Highways Authority
• Road raising at the flood gate location and near the Three Valleys Pumping Station
• Flood bund at the northern end of the works
• Spillway next to Hawkshead Lane bridge
• Improved road drainage
• Timber cladding, landscaping, replanting and seeding.

According to the agency, the works will have a significant visual impact in the short term, however measures are being included in the designed to mitigate these impacts in the short, medium and longer term.

The work is being carried out by Alfred McAlpine Construction Limited. The project manager is Graeme Howard and the site agent is Jon Hunt.

Anyone with any questions or concerns about the project is invited to contact Tony Kirstein on 01276 45 4512 or at the following address:

National Capital Programme Management South East
Environment Agency
Swift House
Frimley
Camberley
Surrey
GU16 7SQ

You can discuss this issue in the forum.

23 May 2003