£6m scheme to replace bridge to prevent Catcliffe flooding moves forward
More than 140 homes in Catcliffe and eight in Treeton were flooded in October 2023
A £6m scheme to reduce the risk of flooding in Catcliffe and Treeton is set to move forward, two years after Storm Babet caused severe flooding across the area.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council will consider plans on November 17 to appoint a contractor to design and build a replacement bridge on Treeton Lane, a structure officials say is a key obstruction to the River Rother during high water.
More than 140 homes in Catcliffe and eight in Treeton were flooded internally when the river burst its banks in October 2023. Three major roads were also affected, prompting overnight evacuations and a large-scale clean-up involving dozens of council staff.
An investigation carried out by the authority found the existing bridge restricts water flow during peak conditions. Hydraulic modelling suggests replacing it with a thinner, modern deck would significantly improve the river’s capacity and prevent flooding in a one-in-200-year event.
A report to the council’s cabinet states that the works would “effectively eliminate the risk of flooding”.
The council has committed £6m over four years to deliver the work, with the project forming part of its 2025–29 capital programme. The investment follows major incidents in 2000, 2007 and 2023, which have seen hundreds of homes inundated.
If approved, the council will enter a contract with a specialist design-and-build partner to take the scheme through detailed design, environmental approvals and construction.
The Environment Agency has already been consulted on necessary permits, ecological considerations and environmental mitigation such as fish passes and habitat restoration.
Construction is likely to affect the main route between Catcliffe and Treeton, with the bridge needing to be fully removed before a new one can be installed. The council says an alternative pedestrian link is expected to be provided during the works.
Although the authority is aiming for completion within three years, its experience of similar schemes suggests delivery could take up to five years, depending on approvals, river levels and weather conditions.
The project forms part of wider efforts to increase flood resilience in the borough, alongside ongoing consideration of further upstream water storage in partnership with the Environment Agency and neighbouring councils.