Three Hydro-Brake® Optimum vortex flow controls help meet Environment Agency 1 in 100 year level discharge requirements from a new link road, reducing flood risk in nearby rivers.

Situation

Pollution and congestion from the heavy goods vehicles has been a long-standing blight in Crediton. Through an Air Quality Action Plan, Devon County Council planned to improve the situation by offering an alternative route outside the town.

Following two years of planning and consultation, construction on the new link road began in July 2013, opening in October 2014.

Problem

Controlling surface water flooding was a vital consideration in planning and building Mid Devon’s £8.42 million A3072 Crediton Link Road. 

The River Creedy is to the east of the road, and not, itself, classed as sensitive to flooding. However, it also feeds the River Yeo, which lies to the south of the link road, which is classed as being at serious risk of flooding, so any changes to the surface water flow would need considerable care in planning the drainage strategy.

Solution

Vortex flow control technology was integral to a solution that managed surface water flows across undulating topography to protect local rivers.

By using Hydro-Brake® Optimum vortex flow controls as part of a SuDS approach, South West Highways (SWH) & Devon County Council (DCC) were able to meet Environment Agency requirements for discharge limits at a 1 in 100 year level and reduce flood risk in nearby rivers Creedy and Yeo.