Policy paper

Boston Barrier Scheme

Published 11 June 2025

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/boston-barrier-scheme/boston-barrier-scheme

1. Boston Barrier Scheme 

The Boston Barrier Scheme is an Environment Agency led major project. The aim of the scheme is to provide better protection from tidal flooding in the town of Boston, Lincolnshire.

The scheme will benefit:  

  • homes 
  • businesses 
  • emergency services 
  • major transport routes 
  • educational establishments 

2. Why Boston needs a tidal flood barrier 

The town of Boston in Lincolnshire is an historic market town with an important maritime history. Boston is also unfortunate to lie entirely within a floodplain and has been devastated by flooding many times before.

In the past 200 years Boston has experienced 9 major tidal floods. The most recent being a tidal surge in December 2013. Without intervention, the cycle of damage and rebuilding of the town would continue. This would make new regeneration schemes unlikely. 

In the 2014 Autumn Statement it was announced by government that the Boston Barrier was a national priority project. By 2016 the outline business case for the scheme was approved by the Treasury. By 2018, following a public inquiry and secretary of state sign off, Boston was one step closer to being better protected from tidal flooding. 

The scheme is fully funded by government grant in aid funding.

3. Progress to date 

We completed the primary barrier gate and associated works in December 2020, 2 years after construction on the project began. We operated the barrier for the first time on 7 November 2021. This was done to protect Boston from high tides. The barrier remains available as required.    

You can find out more about the barrier in this short video.

Image 1 shows a site plan of the barrier works.

Image 1: plan of Boston Barrier works, Credit Environment Agency

4. Next steps 

The next stage of works focuses on future climate resilience downstream of the primary barrier. We will carry out works in the Port of Boston’s wet dock entrance.

These include:

  • the installation of 18 metre vertical sector gates
  • 2 land-based flood gates
  • associated works to ensure continuity of the defence

It is important to note that the tidal flood risk here is currently no different than it is for the rest of the town. However, going ahead with construction now will avoid prolonged disruption to the local community.

We have started preliminary works at the Port of Boston’s wet dock entrance. Our latest construction programme anticipates completion of the Boston Barrier Scheme as a whole in 2028. This date may change as construction progresses. We will review it regularly.  

5. Involving the community 

The Boston Barrier Scheme aims to deliver more than just a flood defence. It has been an important philosophy to include the local community in decision making where possible. This makes sure they benefit fully from the project. 

During phase one of the scheme the Boston Barrier Hub on Marsh Lane was open from 12.00 pm to 7.00 pm every Wednesday.

We will provide a similar space during the next phase of works once we have located a suitable place on the Port side of the river. 

We have used Hello Lamp Post technology to bring the scheme to life in Boston. If you are walking around the town, you may notice Boston Barrier signs bearing QR codes.

You can scan the QR code on the sign, or click here. This will allow you to interact virtually, learn more, and test your knowledge about the Boston Barrier Scheme. 

6. General vesting documents 

The Boston Barrier Order 2017 authorises the Environment Agency to acquire land and new rights required in connection with the scheme. The General Vesting Declaration identifies the land and new rights which are to be vested in the Environment Agency under these powers. The land and new rights are identified in the Schedule to this document and by reference to plans sealed by the Environment Agency.

You can see the 3 plans sealed plans annexed to the General Vesting Declaration showing land and new rights to vest in the Environment Agency:

7. Contact us 

You can contact us in several ways:

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