A £6 MILLION scheme to avert flooding on the A1(M) and nearby villages has reached a key milestone.

The Environment Agency said progress has been rapid on the Catterick Flood Storage Reservoir and has seen the installation of the first of 44 pre-cast concrete culvert units to the control structure, which will regulate the flow of Brough Beck.

It is expected to take three weeks to fit all the 2.5-metre by 2.5-metre units, which each weigh nine tonnes and have been shipped from Ireland. The units have been designed for the scheme and include benching to aid the passage of fish.

When the culverts work is completed, the remainder of the reservoir embankment will be constructed, permanently diverting Brough Beck.

The beck has proved vulnerable to flooding in the past, and overtopping has led to problems downstream in Catterick village. In the event of a storm, the reservoir would hold back up to 91 million gallons of water and slow the flow of the beck as it heads towards the village and the A1(M).

It is hoped the project will prevent a repeat of the serious flooding that left a 40-mile stretch of the key road closed in both directions after being deluged by more than five million litres of water.

The A1(M) at Catterick was also closed in October last year after becoming inundated by floodwaters.

With the A1(M) Leeming Bar to Barton upgrade due for completion in spring 2017, Highways England and North Yorkshire councils want to ensure the main route remains open whatever the weather.

It should also provide a significantly improved standard of flood protection for 149 homes and businesses in the area. In addition, there are planned improvements to a bridleway and a new area of wildlife habitat will be created along the beck.

The project has been jointly funded by the Environment Agency, Highways England and North Yorkshire County Council

The agency’s project manager, Philip Boyes, said: “It’s great to see another significant milestone achieved on the project. It reinforces the commitment of the project team to deliver this scheme for the benefit of the residents of Catterick and those who rely on the A1(M).”