Hawick Flood Protection Scheme -
Update on impact of Coronavirus restrictions

Hawick Flood Protection Scheme has provided an update on the project following further Scottish and UK Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance issued this week.

Over the past few weeks, the project team for the scheme has been dealing with the implications of evolving Coronavirus response. 

To date, the project has maintained full productivity and progress with the Advanced Works Contract and preparations for the Main Works Contract.

As of today, all key staff on the project continue to work through remote working.

Further to the COVID-19 guidance issued this week, the decision has been made to close all advanced works construction activity on the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme as soon as practicable this week. The Scheme will remain closed until further notice. 

The long-planned closure of Commercial Road which has been scheduled to commence this week has also been postponed.

The preparations for the Main Works contract remain ongoing, and it is still the intention of the Council to begin this contract through the announcement of the appointed contractor, however the main construction works in Hawick will not commence at this time.

However, it is clear that this situation will impact on the timescales for the delivery of the project.  At this point it is not possible to provide more information on the impact, but further updates will be provided once available.

Conor Price, Project Director for the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme, said: “This decision has been taken with the primary focus being on the health and wellbeing of Scheme employees and members of the public. 

“Progression of the Advanced Works across the town has been to programme and all works are now concluded except at Lower Mansfield Road and Commercial Road. The advanced works on Lower Mansfield Road have now been paused. The closure of Commercial Road had been due to start this week.

“Whilst disappointing, I am sure we all understand the wholly unprecedented circumstances which have prompted this decision.

“The people of Hawick can be absolutely assured that all parties involved in the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme remain 100 per cent dedicated to the project and are fully committed to taking it forward as soon as it is appropriate and safe to do so.

“We will be fully prepared to pick up where we left off as soon as we are able and look forward to progressing this major construction project which is so badly needed in the town.

“Meantime, the new Hawick Flood Protection Scheme website is the ‘go to’ destination for the latest news and I would encourage members of the public to visit www.hawickfloodscheme.com.”