Infrastructure Needs To Be Strengthened, Say Engineers
30th November, 2010
THE Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West has called for infrastructure to be made more resilient after widespread flooding caused havoc in parts of Cornwall overnight.
Towns and villages were cut off and major road and rail routes were closed after the River Fowey burst its banks and water levels rose to 6ft in some places.
The A30, A38 and A390 were blocked at many points and train services were suspended into Cornwall. Search and rescue helicopters were drafted in to help release trapped drivers.
Maintaining investment in critical infrastructure – including transport routes and flood defences – is a key priority for ICE South West.
Richard Fish, an independent transport consultant and ICE South West Committee member, said: “Severe weather events such as last night's concentrated rainfall in Cornwall demonstrate the vulnerability of the transport network in the west of the peninsula.
“The delays that the flooding caused to the main railway line not only have an impact on Cornwall but also on the rail network throughout the great western region all the way to London Paddington.
“Today’s events serve as a poignant reminder that continued investment and focus on protecting and maintaining critical infrastructure is vital if we are to reduce the risk of system failure and ensure we are better protected against crises in the future.”
ICE South West believes a more preventative approach is needed as climate change means flooding will become more frequent in the years to come.
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