Project Update 15 July 2026
From "River Blackwater Langford"
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Hello everyone
We’re excited to share the latest progress on the River Blackwater Eels Project. As a quick reminder, this work is part of Essex & Suffolk Water’s Eel Regulation Programme, which helps protect eels and other wildlife by preventing them from becoming trapped at our intake and pumping stations. The final stage of the programme involves installing a new eel‑friendly screens at the Blackwater Intake on the River Blackwater.
The 1st Stage of the works, involving the creation of a formal highways bell mouth entrance off of Maldon Road, which creates access to the site, commenced on 8th June 2026. We apologies for any inconvenience caused by the temporary traffic lights. The Traffic Lights are due to be in place until the middle of September 2026.
The detailed design phase is almost complete for the 2nd Phase of works, which will commence shortly after the 1st Stage of works are finish in September. The 2nd Phase of works involves constructing the remainder of the access to the river and location of the new eel screens. The new screens will be installed in late Summer 2027 with all the associated mechanical, electrical and control systems being put constructed in unison to facilitate safe operation and controlled operation of the screens.
We’ll continue to share updates here on the Community Hub as the project progresses. Below are some images of the latest design plans so you can see what’s coming!
