Ironbridge Flooding: Severe flood warning remains in place as barriers are overwhelmed

The barriers began to flex and move back towards properties due to the amount of pressure caused by the floodwater against them. Water pumps are being used to reduce the amount of water behind the barriers.

The Environment Agency says that it's possible that depths of floodwater along the Wharfage could get to 1.8m deep as flood barriers can no longer hold water.

A peak level of 6.79m occurred at 9am on Wednesday morning at Buildwas.

At 6am this morning the river level at Ironbridge was 6.37m down 42cm since the peak yesterday.

Environment secretary George Eustice was this afternoon in Ironbridge.

Environment secretary George Eustice is lobbied by @CllrShaunDavies and @CarolynHealy for improved flood defences for #Ironbridge Gorge as he visits the town this afternoon pic.twitter.com/2acqkMrnN5 https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1233037286989803520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

. @CllrShaunDavies speaks after urging Secretary of State for Environment George Eustice to improve flood defences in #Ironbridge Gorge on the minister's visit to the area this afternoon pic.twitter.com/qheD3TLIXi https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1233053842964668418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Fantastic to have minister @MPGeorgeEustice visit our affected communities, emergency services and partner agencies in #Ironbridge & #Shrewsbury @EnvAgencyMids @shropsfire @TelfordWrekin @WMerciaPolice @WMASHART thank to all for your hard work. pic.twitter.com/IIPdKWieeV https://twitter.com/ChrisBaingerEA/status/1233066662536105987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

With river levels going down in the #Ironbridge Gorge #ironbridgeflooding here’s an update from us, @OFFICIALWMAS , @WMerciaPolice , @shropsfire pic.twitter.com/MpRneEcDHD https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1232976785387741186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Speaking in an update yesterday, Deputy Chief Constable Julian Moss said:

“Today we have been responding to dynamic emergency situations on the River Severn in Shropshire.

“At Ironbridge the barriers are under stress on The Wharfage, and we are in the process of evacuating the majority of the properties from behind this barrier. We are waiting to see what happens overnight, and we are monitoring closely with colleagues at the Environment Agency, and an operational plan is in place with Shropshire Fire and Rescue should it be required.

“The multi-agency response is set to continue for the next ten days as the flood waters are set to recede quite slowly and are likely to be topped up again with additional rain over the weekend and at the end of next week. We would therefore ask people to take this into consideration when making accommodation arrangements for themselves and any pets or livestock.

“We encourage everyone to heed the flood advice and remain vigilant around flood water."

The start of another long day ahead! ⚠️ We expect the river ⬇️ over the next couple of days: ⚠️ Repairs to the barriers will then be attempted. ⚠️ Likely more bad weather over the weekend into early next week - with MORE flooding ⚠️ Harry the dog is back with his owners 🥳 pic.twitter.com/1O02ebbMRk https://twitter.com/CllrShaunDavies/status/1232911016121552896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

We've inspected Coalport Bridge and it's currently safe to use. We've installed traffic management with a 3 tonne weight limit as a precautionary measure. We'll make daily inspections whilst we wait for water levels to reduce sufficiently to carry out a more detailed survey. https://twitter.com/ShropCouncil/status/1232939758239801344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Roads Closed

The following roads are closed and are impassable:

The following roads are closed and are impassable.

The Wharfage
Buildwas Road
Ferry Road
Coalford
Dale End
The Lloyds

*** The FREE BRIDGE is now open but access from Telford is via Waterloo Street as The Lloyds remains closed at the moment ***

The following roads are accessible for residents through managed entrances:

Tontine Hill / High Street
Paradise
Ironbridge Road
Church Hill
Lincoln Hill
Station Road

Traffic over Coalport Bridge (Woodbridge) is being manually controlled because of its vehicle weight limit. Please avoid this route if possible. If you do need to use it, please expect long delays and be patient.

Buses

8 - Unable to serve Ironbridge or Jackfield from Madeley, will divert through Wenlock to access Broseley to Bridgnorth.

18 - from Madeley will be going direct to Wenlock via the bypass to access Broseley & back to Wenlock to Telford

Car Parks Closed

The Wharfage and Dale End car parks are closed. Ironbridge Park & Ride site is open for anyone who needs to use it.

Education

Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge Primary school will remain closed for the rest of the week.