Cadman Cranes Supports Environment Agency Flood Defence Repairs

Executive Summary

• In May 2025, Cadman Cranes supported the Environment Agency with the repair of a critical automatic flood defence gate in Chelmsford city centre.
• Working within a constrained urban environment alongside the River Chelmer, the project required careful planning, specialist lifting expertise and close collaboration with multiple contractors.
• By delivering a safe, controlled lifting operation, Cadman Cranes helped ensure the continued reliability of vital flood defence infrastructure, supporting the protection of local homes and businesses and contributing to the UK’s wider climate resilience and sustainability goals.

Strengthening the UK’s Climate Resilience: Cadman Cranes Supports Environment Agency Flood Defence Repairs in Chelmsford

As the UK adapts to a changing climate, maintaining effective flood defences has become essential to protecting communities, infrastructure and local economies. We were proud to support the Environment Agency with the repair of one of Chelmsford’s automatic flood defence gates — a key structure that helps manage water levels along the River Chelmer and plays a vital role in safeguarding the city centre.
Built in the 1960s in response to historic flooding, Chelmsford’s three radial gates remain integral to controlling water levels throughout the year. Without them, parts of the river would frequently drop to extremely low levels, and the city would be more vulnerable during heavy rainfall. As the EA’s project lead noted, “This gate is one of three that assist us in alleviating flooding within Chelmsford city centre, protecting many homes and businesses.”

Delivering a safe and controlled lift in a constrained environment

Although the final lift plan appeared straightforward on paper, the site presented several challenges that required careful coordination and creative problem-solving.

Working from the Baddow Road Car Park meant accessing the rigging position through newly laid tarmac and block paving — surfaces that could easily be damaged under the weight of a large mobile crane. To protect the ground and create a stable route into the site, Grassform laid heavy-duty trackway across the car park and onto the working area, allowing the crane to be brought in safely and without disruption.

Clearance was another significant factor. The rear of the car park is bordered by mature trees, and the crane needed to pass through a gap of just 3.7 metres. With the crane itself measuring 3.0 metres wide plus mirrors, the margin for error was extremely small. Working collaboratively with the Environment Agency, a solution was agreed that provided the necessary clearance and ensured the crane could enter the site safely and without risk.

Beyond the car park, the ground softened considerably. A 10–12 metre stretch of deep mud risked the crane becoming bogged down during positioning. Additional ground protection was installed to reinforce this area, preventing the crane from sinking and enabling a stable setup for the lift.

Alongside these access challenges, the structure being lifted required delicate handling. The radial gate’s gearbox could only move the gate a short distance before jamming, so we worked closely with the Environment Agency to determine a safe working pull limit. An 8-tonne limit was agreed to ensure the lift remained controlled, predictable and within the appropriate factor of safety.

Water management added a final layer of complexity. Stoplogs were lowered into the river to isolate the gate, with Red7 divers supporting these underwater operations and ensuring the area could be safely dewatered for maintenance. Their involvement was key to coordinating the timing of the lift with the EA’s river management procedures.

This project succeeded because of strong collaboration between all parties involved. Our contractor, Grassform, ensured robust ground protection, Red7 managed the underwater works and the Environment Agency provided clear direction throughout. Cadman Cranes coordinated the lifting operation and site safety, ensuring the project was delivered efficiently and to schedule.

Planning for the repair began in October 2024, with the lift carried out between 12–15 May 2025 by our experienced team, including Appointed Person Alex Hirst, Supervisor Keith Jennings, Crane Operator Mike Reeves and Slinger/Signaller Jamie Linder.

The Environment Agency expressed its appreciation for the professionalism and skill demonstrated by the team throughout the works.

The right crane for the job

The Liebherr LTM1230-5.1, operating on part ballast, was selected for this project. Its combination of power, reach and manoeuvrability made it ideal for a constrained city-centre site. The crane offered the precise control required to remove the radial gate within the agreed 8-tonne limit, while providing the stability needed for work adjacent to a watercourse.

Supporting the UK’s long-term climate and flood resilience

Flood defence assets such as Chelmsford’s radial gates are central to the UK’s climate adaptation strategy. As weather patterns become more unpredictable and rainfall intensity increases, the reliability of these systems will be critical to protecting communities, sustaining local economies and maintaining environmental health.

By supporting projects like this, Cadman Cranes plays an active role in strengthening the UK’s resilience to climate change. Beyond flood infrastructure, our work across renewable energy, utilities and national infrastructure continues to support the transition to a more sustainable future.
If you’re planning a complex lift or infrastructure project and would like expert support, our team is ready to help.

To discuss your project requirements, please get in touch.