PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project close to Heathrow, west of London, was one of circa 60 projects carried out as part of the Lower Colne Flood Scheme by the Environment Agency. The planning stage of the Scheme took an holistic catchment based approach and involved early use of computational modelling to arrive at more environmentally-friendly solutions such as flow diversion channels and modification of existing structures such as weirs.

The Wraysbury River location required more traditional river engineering involving increased channel capacity in a location through  Poyle Industrial Estate. Increased capacity was achieved and a geomorphological design solution was adopted including retention of a more natural low flow width and gravel substrate. A secondary channel was constructed and the channel narrowed where necessary using rock deflectors intended to trap passing urban silt.  Over a period of nearly 30 years the channel has been monitored for adjustment of channel morphology.