Weir Replacement on the Wey Navigation

Published on: 10 Aug, 2012
Updated on: 15 Aug, 2012

Riff Raff Weir replacement well underway

Major works are underway on the River Wey to replace a weir to the south of the town, just upstream from St Catherine’s Lock. The weir, which forms an important role in local flood control, is due for routine replacement, the present structure having been in place since 1969. Major corrosion of the existing steel frame is clearly visible.

Before replacement work can begin temporary dams have to be constructed either side of the weir. This will allow the team of workers to pump out the water and work in a ‘dry’ area. The construction of the dams is proving more difficult than anticipated because of underwater obstacles.

Today, with the assistance of an underwater diver and a crane, interlocking metal shuttering was being positioned, piece by piece.

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The task is not expected to be completed until the end of September. A footbridge will be maintained throughout but will require a temporary structure at some stage.

The work has been contracted out by the National Trust, owners of the Wey Navigation, to River and Canal Services Limited. The project has been intentionally planned for a time of the year when rainfall is lower but as company director and team leader, Rob Locatelli said: “We can control most things on this job but no one can control the weather. There are two other weirs that be be used to regulate water flow regularly but if we have unusually high levels of rainfall it could create problems.”