Protection and reinforcement of key Cumbrian highway infrastructure to improve safety.
Client
Cumberland Council
Highlights
- Sustainable realignment of adjacent watercourse to mitigate flood risk
- Creation of new natural habitat to enhance biodiversity
Delivering a safer, more resilient highway for thousands of road users while fostering a vibrant natural habitat that supports local wildlife.
A 15% increase in rainfall over the last ten years had resulted in changes to the alignment of a watercourse adjacent to the A5038 in Cumberland, a main connecting road between Egremont and Cockermouth. This meant a section of the road and its associated infrastructure had started to be compromised. To address this, Cumberland Council appointed BakerHicks to realign the watercourse and strengthen the road’s embankment, safeguarding it from future erosion through innovative and sustainable solutions.
BakerHicks carried out ground investigation surveys and ecological assessments, using 3D modelling to develop a watercourse realignment strategy that worked in harmony with local environmental constraints. Open-channel flow analysis was undertaken to assess stream capacity and Hjulstrom Curve modelling was used to evaluate and reinforce the watercourse beds.
To manage water flow and reduce flood risk, natural features such as ponds, marshes and gentle slopes were introduced, slowing water movement by 40% and enhancing the surrounding habitat for biodiversity.
