Yarm Flood Alleviation Scheme

The Environment Agency is replacing Yarm flood gates because:

• The existing gates are deteriorating faster than expected. They continue to protect Yarm however the gates do need to be replaced.
• We have a new flood gate specification – using this specification to design new gates means that we will have gates that are safer and easier to operate.
• Wide single leaf swinging flood gates can be dangerous to operate in windy conditions or on uneven ground, putting our staff at risk of injury. Consequently, we have made some gates smaller and changed some to sliding gates to make them safer to operate.

Another benefit of the new gates is that we will be able to shut the gates more quickly. This means that we will be able to shut them later reducing the impact on residents. There will still be some instances where we need to close the gates early.

Over the last few years we have engaged with all residents and landowners in Yarm who have flood gates on their properties. We have agreed with all landowners whether their flood gate can be removed and blocked up or replaced. In some instances, we have agreed with the landowner to reduce the opening width of the flood gate.

Thank you for everyone’s cooperation as we’ve gone through this process.

For more detailed information, you can find our newsletters on this web page, dates and times for community drop-in events, or contact us at EA-YarmFAS@environment-agency.gov.uk 

Continuation of works – Second phase has begun

Following the installation of the new flood gates on the East side of Yarm, works have now progressed to the second phase of the project, on the West and North sides of Yarm. Gates 19 – 24 have now been installed, with a section of footpath between the rail bridge and the road bridge reinstated. Gates 1, 3 and 4 on the West of Yarm have also been installed with some remaining works and re-instatement underway.

Image showing Gate 20-22 near the Yarm Road Bridge

True Lovers Walk

As part of this second phase, works on the West side of Yarm to replace the flood gates along True Lovers Walk are continuing. In addition to the new gate installations, access improvements for Environment Agency operatives are being implemented. This work is a critical part of the project and involves the construction of new access steps and platforms which are designed to provide a safe working area for our staff when operating the gates.

Access along the western section of True Lovers Walk will continue to be restricted until mid-May 2025 to accommodate the remainder of the works and the required reinstatement of the path.

Image showing new access platforms,Steps and Handrails being installed off True Lovers Walk

Whilst we understand that this could be inconvenient to walkers in the short term, this closure is necessary to facilitate access needs and means that we can safely deliver the scheme. We want to reassure residents that we are doing everything possible to re-open the remaining sections of footpath as soon as we can. We apologise for any inconvenience our activities may cause and thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.

Third and final phase of the project

The third and final phase of the works have begun and are predominantly within private properties, although some access will be required along True Lovers Walk due to the required plant sizes and material movements.

We have spoken directly with all landowners and occupants who will be impacted by the replacement of this next phase of gates, and we will continue to engage with landowners and stakeholders about the ongoing work.

We anticipate that the final phase of the project will be completed by mid-May 2025.

Please note that all dates provided are our best estimate at this moment in time, and may change, especially if we experience poor weather and the flood gates need to be operated.