Work has restarted on the multi-million pound Rother Tidal Walls East project, just months after the Environment Agency said the original contract had been completed and footpaths by the river would re-open in the spring this year. The new work is a contract extension to deal with erosion next to Monkbretton Bridge in Rye.
A huge 400 tonne crawler crane is now on site, along with a new compound for equipment and a heavy duty road next to Rye Rugby Club.
In a note to residents in nearby houses, contractors Volker Stevin explained the new work is to protect the river’s eastern embankment south of the bridge. “We will be installing around 50 metres of steel sheet piles (supports) along the bottom (toe) of the existing embankment. These supports are driven into the ground to help strengthen the riverbank and reduce erosion.”
Once the piling work is complete and the crane removed, further work will take place until September. “Work will continue by preparing the riverbank and adding protective rock. The built up silt will be removed before placing a layer of large rocks (weighing between 40–200kg each) behind the new sheet piles. This will help strengthen the riverbank, protects it from erosion and reduces the risk of future damage during high river flows.”
Dr Anthony Kimber, who leads for REACT – Rye’s local resilience team – said, “The work is vital but given the size of the plant and the heavy engineering involved, there will be significant noise and ground movement as they drive the piles into the bank.”
£36 million has already been spent on the three year Rother Tidal Walls East project which began in 2022. It forms part of a strategy designed to protect the entire Romney Marsh coastline from Folkestone to Cliff End. A new salt marsh has been created at Camberfields and the Rother’s eastern bank has been raised by half a metre and widened by 5m.
The Environment Agency has been approached for comment on the added cost of the new work.
Image Credits: James Stewart , Rye News .