Title: Preston Beach sea defences
Author: Environment Agency South West Region
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
Weymouth is an important seaside town facing the English Channel in Dorset. There is a long history of flooding problems in the area of Preston Beach. Records reveal that attempts were made to outwit the sea over 130 years ago. Between 1855 and 1885, for example, a road that followed the inner part of the beach had to be realigned and set back by at least 60 feet. It was already being overwhelmed again by 1899. This first part of the contract involved beach recharge together with the associated marine works. The material for the recharge was dredged just off the Isle of Wight and transported to Preston Beach by boat. The shingle was then pumped onto the beach. All in all, about 214,000 cubic metres of shingle was used during this part of the project. Beach recharge was selected as the best and most effective option to overcome the problem. Prior to the work starting on site, detailed computer and laboratory modelling was undertaken to discover what size the new beach would need to be to ensure that it would absorb the wave action and prevent waves overtopping the new sea wall. Hence, future blocking of the A353 by shingle or flooding would be virtually impossible.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: [after 1996]
Publication Place: Exeter
Subject Keywords: Coasts; Flood control; Coastal management; Flood defence structures
Geographic Keywords: Dorset; Dorset catchment
Extent: n.p. [12]
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:1221
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