Rode Bridge, a Scheduled Monument built around 1777, was historically vulnerable to water damage when the River Frome's levels rose during flooding. The river would fail to pass smoothly under the bridge's two main middle arches. As part of a scheme to improve flow beneath the bridge by increasing flood capacity, Flex MSE® GTX Bags & Interlocking Plates were installed along the adjoining riverbanks.

Method: After the site had been cleared of debris, Flex MSE® was installed from the bed up, re-profiling the banks. Site-won organic material was mixed with sand at a 2:1 ratio, and used to fill the Flex MSE® bags, allowing for a free-draining & structural medium that would still promote the growth of vegetation. The banks were then hydroseeded using native seed species. The entire project was completed in under three days.

Michael Lake, EA Project Manager, said:

“The innovative part of this scheme is that we’re using the Flex MSE bags to form the channel sides. This is more labour-intensive but it means we can work around mature trees without causing damage. The whole scheme will make much better use of Rode Bridge arches that had become partially blocked with earth, vegetation and debris.”