NEW flood defence gates in Truro are now fully operational, completing a major infrastructure refurbishment project predicted to secure the city's flood defences for the next 30 years.

Designed to be closed during high spring tide and storm surges, the tidal barrier forms a critical part of Truro's comprehensive flood risk management system, working alongside the Idless and New Mills Dams to reduce risk to up to 185 commercial and residential properties in the city centre.

The ambitious engineering project began in April 2024 and involved replacing existing gates that had reached the end of their serviceable life. The new gates were installed in August 2024, using a 400-tonne crane during a carefully planned operation that coincided with spring tides to ensure optimal working conditions.

The project's emergency planning was put to the test when tidal surges exceeded forecasts during construction, with temporary flood barriers called stoplogs deployed successfully for the first time in Truro, protecting the city from flooding.

The existing barrier control room, a prefabricated building, needed replacing due to upgraded specifications. The old building now serves as a pavilion and additional changing facilities to support the growth of female cricket at Perranporth Cricket Club.

Completion of the tidal barrier work is scheduled for the end of this month. Environment Agency operations manager Andrew Houghton said: "This project represents a significant investment in Truro's flood resilience. The barrier and its controls are more reliable, meaning we can ensure effective flood risk management for the community into the future."

The Environment Agency is also carrying out vital upgrades at Idless Flood Storage Reservoir on the River Allen to improve the dam's resilience during severe weather, to be fully operational by December 2025.

And in July 2025, specialist teams demonstrated their ability to rapidly reduce water levels at New Mills Dam flood storage reservoir by using high volume pumps.