Between 2018 and 2021, cbec, working with project partners McGowan Environmental Engineering, delivered three phases of restoration work on the River Nith in Ayrshire as part of the wider River Nith Restoration Plan
River Nith at Blackwood design and build: June 2020 to September 2021
River Nith at Meikle Garclaugh design and build: March 2020 to February 2021
River Nith atCastlemainsdesign and build: September 2018 to September 2019
The final phase of work, at Blackwood Farm, followed on from previous phases of design and construction at both Castlemains (upstream in New Cumnock) and Meikle Garclaugh (opposite Blackwood Farm). For each phase, work commenced with an initial review of outline designs previously produced by Arup, with cbec supporting.
The details of the designs were then developed and refined. This involved the setting back of flood embankments and the construction of an inset floodplain at each site. Building on previous work undertaken, an updated hydrological assessment and detailed 2D hydraulic modelling was carried out to assess the function of each design specifically in terms of flood risk before the final design deliverables (suitable for construction) were delivered. cbec provided construction support through setting out the design and regular design site supervision. Following completion of each phase, a post-build topographic survey was undertaken to enable a review of the constructed scheme in relation to the design specification to be conducted. A post-build dilapidation survey and fluvial audit were also undertaken, the latter to provide a baseline for future monitoring.
