West coast sea wall needs urgent repair

Saturday 28 March 2020

A combination of winter storms and exceptional rainfall in recent weeks has caused some damage to the sea wall at Route de la Rocque Poisson.

Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) said the damage was to a section of the sea wall south of the slipway.

Extensive repairs were undertaken on the masonry wall in 2018 and there is no concern for other sections of the sea wall.

"Urgent protection works to the sea wall have been approved as essential works under the current Emergency Powers as the sea wall is considered to be critical national infrastructure," said a spokesperson for ACLMS. "There is concern that if works are not carried out there may be risk of consequent damage to the adjacent road and to the utility services during the next high tides."

Boulder armour protection will be installed from Monday to Wednesday 1 April.

"The work has been arranged so that the protective boulder armour is in place before the next spring tide starting 7 April," said the spokesperson. 

"The works will be undertaken by Geomarine and overseen by States' engineers. Correct social distancing and hygiene will be maintained by all personnel participating and efforts made to reduce movements of vehicles and personnel as far as is possible.

"The public are advised that there will be frequent heavy vehicle movements along the coast road south of Route des Adams and the public car park opposite L'Eree Hotel will be closed between 09:00 and 16:00 on working days. The coast road will be closed to through traffic between the junction of Route des Adams and Route de Coudre during the works.

"It should be further noted that these works are to provide protection/stabilisation to the wall during the coming tides and from future storm events."

Further work will need to be carried out to restore this section of the wall beyond the work taking place next week.