Garstang floodgate repairs on track for October completion after major crane operation
After being out of action since 2022, the vital floodgate on the River Wyre in Garstang is set to be fully operational again by the end of October, following a significant repair milestone.
Flood defences in Garstang are expected to be fully restored by October, as the Environment Agency confirms major progress on the long-awaited repairs to the River Wyre floodgate.
The crucial floodgate, which has been broken since 2022, was successfully removed on Tuesday (August 4) using a substantial 350-tonne reinforced crane - with the operation marking a significant step forward in the repair process.
An Environment Agency spokesperson confirmed the development, stating: “We successfully removed the broken floodgate at Garstang yesterday using a 350 tonne reinforced crane.”
To ensure continued protection for downstream areas, temporary stop logs have been installed. These will allow the flood storage basin to remain effective, maintaining the standard of flood protection for local residents and businesses.
“Temporary stop logs have been put in place to ensure that the flood storage basin can still be used effectively without compromising the standard of protection from flooding to downstream residents and businesses,” the spokesperson added.
This recent achievement is the result of extensive work, with the Environment Agency now confident in their timeline. “This is the culmination of years of work, and we are now on track to complete all repairs by October,” the spokesperson concluded.
Preparations for the crane operation included significant strengthening of the existing crane pads, a task that was completed last year to accommodate the heavy machinery needed to fix the East Gate.
The immediate next steps involve detailed inspections of the gate and concrete, followed by the fabrication and installation of a new hinge for the gate, alongside the replacement of other component parts. The temporary stop logs will remain in place until the East Gate is fully repaired, with completion currently scheduled for the end of October.