Heritage Award for Barrier

The project to extend the life of the Thames Barrier has won the Heritage Award at the ICE London Civil Engineering Awards 2011.

Anser have provided the project management service on the project to the client, The Environment Agency.

Completed in 1982, the Thames Barrier has been at the heart of London’s flood defences for 28 years, closing on 119 occasions to prevent flooding and protect the capital’s heritage. This project has extended the life of the Barrier, demonstrating technical excellence whilst maximising the potential of data and monitoring systems in the most challenging of environments. The works involved the inspection and refurbishment of the main bearings and support structures facilitating the movement of the Thames Barrier’s four main gates, each 62m long and weighing 3,500 tonnes. The installation of unique monitoring systems will allow the bearings’ condition to be remotely observed, reducing costs and safety risks by minimising the frequency of inspections and maintenance interventions.