Lowestoft: Next phase of major flood defence works to begin

Work to protect 1,500 homes and 825 businesses from floods is gathering pace as the £67m Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project (FRMP) continues.

Motorists are being warned they could face delays as part of the work on Lowestoft's permanent flood defences - with a section of road to be temporarily closed for around six months.

The map showing the proposed closure of Hamilton Road, Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft FRMP (Image: Lowestoft FRMP)

A Lowestoft FRMP spokesman said: "From March 27 the next phase of tidal walls will begin construction on Hamilton Road which will result in a road closure that may cause some disruption."

Businesses will "remain open as usual" throughout the works, and ahead of the "next construction phase" of the tidal flood walls on Hamilton Road, the Lowestoft FRMP spokesman added: "The tidal walls are a mixture of concrete flood walls, demountable defences (put in place ahead of a tidal surge) and flood gates.

Before and after the works on Hamilton Road, Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft FRMP (Image: Lowestoft FRMP)

"The next phase of tidal walls to be constructed on Hamilton Road will be on the final section of flood defences in front of Kwik Fit and John Grose.

"The entrance to Kwik Fit will be temporarily moved while we build the flood walls and this will be clearly signed."

The planned works include the "removal of an existing structure, construction of new concrete flood wall, and associated piling, drainage and surfacing works" as the "small section of road" is closed.

Previous works on Hamilton Road in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The spokesman added: "The works are due to conclude in September 2023.

"We plan to work Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm.

With "preparatory works" being carried out ahead of "moving into building the tidal walls," the spokesman added: "This will include minor demolition works, site clearance, excavations, steel sheet piling, concrete works and installation of demountable defence foundation works.

The previous Tidal Floodwalls work. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Pedestrian access routes will be managed around the works, allowing access to businesses during construction.

"Traffic will be diverted up Whapload Road, along Wilde Street and down Newcombe Road to access the rest of Hamilton Road with diversions clearly signed."