Crossing the Severn estuary, UK: challenges past and present

Abstract

Today the Severn estuary in the UK is increasingly a focus of discussion with the latest debate surrounding a potential barrage. The use of tidal power was a key issue with rising oil prices in the 1970s and it is now even more so in view of the threat from global climate change, consequential rising sea levels and the growing demand for increasingly scarce resources. This paper considers earlier experiences of crossing the Severn estuary. The paper looks at associated studies and, in particular, at experience from the Second Severn Crossing, to identify the challenges that were encountered, what may be learnt from them, and how the procurement and statutory process can assist. Issues that may be relevant to a Severn barrage and other mega projects are explored in the hope that the information provided might prove helpful.