When a massive 800-tonne crane arrived on the scene this week, the Environment Agency’s work to rebuild flood protection in Matlock, Derbyshire, got underway.
The A6 at Matlock Bridge remains blocked while the crane is there, and a temporary 2-way traffic arrangement is currently in place on the bridge.
The crane is being used to help in the restoration of the River Derwent flood defences.
This entails repairing the nearby flood wall and the river wall that gave way following the storms in February of this year at Crown Square, Matlock.
Currently, the job entails hoisting 600 2-ton bags into the river from the A6 to provide a working platform for the piling operations.
On Wednesday, August 10, Matlock will host a family-friendly “Name the crane” day.
Along with other local dignitaries, Sarah Dines, the MP for Derbyshire, the Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire, the Mayor of Matlock, and the Civil Chair of Derbyshire County Council will be present.
Environment Agency project manager Naomi Doughty stated:
“The large 800-tonne crane situated on the A6 near to Matlock Bridge in Derbyshire is helping us to carry out essential work on reinstating the flood defences on the River Derwent. This involves lifting materials and machinery across the river to where the replacement river wall and flood wall will be constructed.”
“It will be in place until at least the end of the year and will then either remain in situ to enable the cladding of the sheet piles to take place or return in the spring when the weather is more conducive to the works being carried out.”
“We’ve listened to feedback from local businesses about the difficult times they’ve experienced recently so, in conjunction with our contractors, Jackson Civil Engineering, we are holding a ‘Name the crane’ family-fun day on Wednesday 10 August to encourage more visitors to Matlock.”
Kathryn Battelle, Public Liaison Officer for Jackson Civil Engineering, added:
“The crane is one of the biggest mobile cranes in the UK and we’re running a competition to find the best name for it.”
“We’re hoping that families will come and join in the fun at our event on Wednesday, which will also provide a unique photo opportunity among other fun activities. We have some great prizes on offer and Jackson Civil Engineering will match all public donations made on the day for Air Ambulance.”