BOSTON BLACK SLUICE FLOOD DEFENCE AND LOCK

Lock 21m long, 6m broad, 2.8m deep.

Sector gate on sea side of lock, mitre gate on river side of lock.

2 x Hydraulic power units.

83.5 kW installed power.

72.4 L/min/pump.

Running and standby pumps.

Hydraulic flow division.

Design for the environment incl full stainless steel pipe installation.

2 x 8.5 tonne steel gates.

The Boston Black Sluice Lock is the first part of the Fens Waterways Link which will create 240km of navigation from Lincoln through to Cambridgeshire. It is part of a £100m project to regenerate Lincolnshire’s waterways and the first stage was completed in 2009.

Significantly, the new lock will also provide flood defence management, through two 8.5 tonne steel gates, connecting the Black Sluice Navigation with the tidal Boston Haven.

IMH directly engaged with the Environment Agency to achieve their desired objectives of both flood management and recreational regeneration for the area. We developed a total hydraulic system for the lock, liaising with our client on civil engineering and gate manufacture.

The benefits of our system design include considerable energy savings, through the controlled release of water from the Fens to the sea without the need for a pumping station under normal conditions. IMH delivered a professional management and execution of the project, with a flexible attitude to problem solving over long-term development.

“IMH’s technical expertise has been proven over many years and on diverse projects. They provide a customer focused service taking complex projects from design through commissioning and follow with excellent service support as required. From major flood defence barrier upgrades to new build such as the Boston Lock Project, IMH offered a flexible approach to solving problems and overcoming unforeseen hurdles. It is always a pleasure to work with the team at IMH and I looking forward to this relationship continuing.”

– Ivan Nicholls, Meica Coordinator, Jackson Civil Engineering