Construction work on the Pagham Harbour outfall structure, which is part of the Environment Agency’s River Lavant Flood Alleviation scheme is nearing completion.

The outfall is the final link in the chain, which allows floodwaters from the Lavant to bypass Chichester and move on safely down to the sea via the Forebridge and Pagham Rife valleys.

Without the Flood Alleviation Scheme, floodwaters from the Lavant would, from time to time, cause havoc in Chichester, Westhampnett, Merston and other villages in the valley as was last seen in 1993-94.

The outfall itself is a reinforced concrete structure which is being built to allow the floodwater to pass through the sea wall defences into Pagham Harbour, whilst also preventing the sea flooding inland. The construction of the outfall has to be done in such a way that the strength of the sea defences is not weakened. Without this, high tides could break the defence and sweep up towards Merston.

Pagham Harbour, into which the structure will pass floodwater, is also a wildlife site of international importance. It is of particular note for migrating birds. Because of this, construction has had to take place in a very tight ‘window’ between April and September. This has led to the outfall being the final part of the construction at the bottom of the scheme rather than being completed first which would be the normal practice.

Over the coming weekend (28th & 29th June), Mowlem, the Environment Agency’s constructor, will be closing the C138 Oving New Road, between Drayton Lane and Oving village, to allow the construction of a new road crossing. Throughout the closure period a signed diversion will be in operation, however both the Agency and Mowlem apologise for any inconvenience that these essential works may cause.

When the work is finished by the end of the summer, Chichester and the Pagham Rife Valley will have excellent flood defences. Whilst it is impossible to stop all flooding, the work that has been carried out will drastically reduce the risk to the people of Chichester and surrounding area.