River Thames Scheme (RTS) Construction Partner

The River Thames between Egham and Teddington has the largest area of undefended, developed floodplain in England. Over 10,000 homes and businesses within the area are at risk from flooding. Major flooding in this area would cause severe disruption to the local and regional road network. It would suspend several major drinking water abstractions supplying the South East and threaten up to 20 local electricity sub-stations.

The River Thames Scheme ("RTS") is being delivered in partnership between the Environment Agency and Surrey County Council and will reduce the risk of flooding to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure (roads, sewerage network, and power supplies) between Egham and Teddington.

The scheme consists of:

• Construction of 8 km of new flood channel built in two sections; • Improving the flow capacity at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington weirs; • Improving the flow capacity downstream of the Desborough Cut channel; • Building community resilience through flood planning and improved emergency planning; • Creating new green open spaces and habitat creation areas; • Providing a new sustainable travel route.

RTS will reduce flood risk to people living and working near the Thames, enhance the resilience of nationally important infrastructure, contribute to a vibrant local economy and maximise the social and environmental value of the river.