The temporary structures built for London’s super sewer are beginning to be removed at locations including Albert Embankment in Vauxhall and King Edward Memorial Park in Wapping. This has allowed water from the Thames to flow against the new river walls and riverside architecture for the first time.
The cofferdams enabled the construction of the TBM shafts and the installation of vortex structures to take sewage flow once the tunnel is operational.
At Albert Embankment, openings have been made in the cofferdam sheet piles to allow the flooding of two of three cofferdams at the site. This will equalise the water pressures on both sides of the walls to allow for the safe cutting and pulling of the sheet piles. Terrace planting has already been installed on the new floodable intertidal public spaces becoming visible behind the cofferdams.
Cofferdam removal is also under way at King Edward Memorial Park.
Once the sheet piles are removed more of the new river wall will be revealed with its ‘box’ design that will benefit a range of wildlife, from crabs to algae.
