Speedy solution for latest restoration project

THE Wey & Arun Canal Trust have turned to a Speedy solution for their latest restoration project.

In a first for the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, a water-inflated dam usually used to protect against flooding has been put to use in a restoration project.

Adapted

AquaDam Europe’s mobile flood barriers have often been used to protect against floods and storm surges but are now being adapted by canal trusts as a fast method of creating a protective barrier during construction work.

The company’s SpeedyDam model has been installed at the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s latest major restoration project at Birtley, near Bramley in Surrey, where a lift bridge is set to be constructed.

Volunteers positioned the sausage-shaped device on the towpath in its rolled up state and filled it by pumping in water, causing the dam to roll out and push across the canal. The three metre wide cylindrical tube created a 1.2m high barrier in a matter of a few hours, that was much faster and cheaper than bringing in material to achieve the same result.

Can build ahead of construction work

The dam means volunteers can now dig a trench below the canal bed and build a temporary footpath and bridleway diversion needed here ahead of constructing work on the bridge.

The SpeedyDam has a strong geotextile membrane with a seam-free blown polyethylene liner, much like a car tyre, allowing it to withstand tremendous force. When empty it is easily transportable and will be used on future Wey & Arun Canal Trust restoration projects.