River Hull Tidal Surge Barrier
River Hull, Kingston upon Hull, UK · 1977-1980 (Construction began January 1977, opened 15 April 1980) · £4.3 million (1980 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe barrier was a crucial flood defence project for Hull, a city highly vulnerable to tidal flooding. - Its design allows for the control of water flow, preventing tidal waters from entering the low-lying River Hull. - The barrier is a Grade II listed structure, highlighting its engineering significance.
Key engineering challenges
Designing and constructing a large movable barrier to control tidal surges from the Humber Estuary into the River Hull. - Integrating a heavy steel gate and sluice gates into the river system. - Ensuring the barrier's operational reliability to protect a significant urban area.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- —
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- Shankland Cox Partnership (architects); G Maunsell & Partners (consulting engineers).
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 212-tonne steel gate; five sluice gates; protects low-lying areas of Hull from tidal surges.
- Disciplines
- civil; hydraulic; mechanical; structural
- Standards & frameworks
- Relevant UK flood defence standards and maritime regulations.
Sources: "River Hull tidal surge barrier", Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Hull_tidal_surge_barrier - "The Tidal Surge Barrier", Maritime Hull, https://maritimehull.co.uk/whats-happening/blogs/volunteer-blog-the-tidal-surge-barrier - "Hull Tidal Surge Barrier (Kingston upon Hull)", Structurae, https://structurae.net/en/structures/hull-tidal-surge-barrier - "How Does The Tidal Barrier Work?", Curiosity Hull, https://curiosityhull.co.uk/how-does-the-tidal-barrier-work/