More boulders to be added to Rocque Poisson sea defense
- Environment & Infrastructure issues open tender for revetment works at Rocque Poisson beach
- Construction scheduled to begin this summer as part of ongoing coastal infrastructure maintenance programme
- Project will use granite rocks weighing 1-4 tonnes each, sourced from Les Vardes and Chouet quarries
- Works aim to protect sea wall from wave damage and reduce erosion and flooding during storms
- New revetment will significantly expand existing rock armour installed in 2022
Environment & Infrastructure has issued an open tender for revetment works along the beach at Rocque Poisson, L'Eree.
The works, scheduled to begin this summer, will involve constructing a sloping bank of large granite rocks to protect the existing sea wall from wave damage and reduce coastal erosion.
This section of sea wall has been under close monitoring, with targeted repair and reinforcement works carried out over recent years. The new revetment programme aims to further protect the sea wall and its foundations from wave impact, reduce the washing-out of sand and soil from underneath the road surface, and minimise sea water overtopping during storm events.
The rock revetment will consist of granite stones weighing between one and four tonnes each, designed to absorb wave impact and break up sea waves as they reach the sea wall. The rocks will be sourced locally, using existing stock from Les Vardes quarry and newly extracted granite from Chouet.
Construction will proceed in phases, with the revetment extending no further than the end of the existing slipway and water outfall. This approach ensures that beach access will not be significantly impeded once the revetment is completed.
The project represents a significant expansion of previous coastal defence measures. In 2022, a small bank of rock armour was placed against part of the sea wall. The new revetment will be built at a shallower slope, extend further from the sea wall, and use heavier stones to improve durability and effectiveness.
The works form part of the committee's broader strategy to maintain and strengthen coastal infrastructure in response to ongoing environmental challenges and weather conditions affecting the island's shoreline.
Q&A
Q: What are the main objectives of the revetment works?
A: The works aim to further protect the sea wall and its foundations from wave impact, reduce the washing-out of sand and soil from underneath the road surface, and reduce sea water overtopping during storm events.
Q: Where will the granite rocks be sourced from?
A: The rocks will be locally quarried granite using existing stock from Les Vardes and newly extracted rock from Chouet quarry.
Q: How does this project differ from previous coastal defence work at the site?
A: This represents a significant expansion of the small bank of rock armour placed in 2022, featuring a shallower slope design, extending further from the sea wall, and using heavier stones for improved durability.
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