Repair Work on Collapsed Weir to Commences – Temporary Dam Being Constructed

Published on: 8 Nov, 2019
Updated on: 9 Nov, 2019

Workmen commence work on Tumbling Bay weir repair. A cofferdam is being assembled where the weir stood so that water levels can be restored.

By Martin Giles

Repair work on the collapsed Tumbling Bay Weir in Millmead is to commence today (November 8), even though it remains uncertain if the relating legal and financial responsibilities of Guildford Borough Council and the National Trust have been clarified.

The council are understood to own the land in Millmead and the National Trust owns the Wey Navigation while the Environment Agency is responsible for the natural course of the river and operates at least some of the weirs to maintain the correct water levels.

A crane has been erected in Millbrook car park to assist with the work. Today it was lowering large bags of ballast to form the cofferdam in the gap left by the collapsed weir. Cofferdams are normally utilised to allow usually submerged areas to be pumped dry and allow construction.

The dry bed of the navigation in Millmead gives an unusual aspect to a familiar view. The crane, positioned in Millbrook car park, can be seen at the top of the picture,

A council spokesperson said today: “Investigations are continuing into the reasons for the collapse of the weir last weekend. At this stage it appears that the weir structure and adjacent abutments collapsed, triggering the collapse of the footbridge. There was no indication that the bridge (or weir) was at risk of collapse.

“We are working closely with the National Trust and have engaged a specialist contractor. We plan to start setting up for temporary works on today. Initially, we will be installing a temporary cofferdam along the line of the failed weir structure to reinstate river levels.

From the navigation bed looking north towards Millmead Lock gates with the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre beyond.

“It is too early to say how long the repair programme will take. Once our contractor and partners have assessed the full extent of the damage, we will have a better idea of timescales. The work will depend on weather conditions (ie we will have to stop work if the river floods).”