Richmond upon Thames’ first flood resilient public road completed

Richmond upon Thames has introduced the first flood resilient street to the borough, on Kitson Road. This is the first fully permeable public road in the borough, which will reduce the risk of flooding and heavy rainfall from impacting surrounding houses.

The trial from Community BlueScapes uses permeable pavements and Hydrorock™, an innovative product which absorbs water during heavy rainfall. Community BlueScapes is a partnership between the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, WWT and Barnes Common Ltd to improve flood resilience across the borough.

The completed trial included improving underground infrastructure under pavements capable of storing more than 100 cubic metres of water, decreasing the likelihood of flooding to 25 local properties by storing excess water beneath the pavement.

This initiative to improve the pavement will also help slow the flow of water entering the Thames Water sewer system and reduce surface flooding. By reducing the volume and speed of water entering this section of the sewer system, the project is helping to ease pressure on local infrastructure and reduce the risk of future flooding in the area.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts said this is one of the Council’s smart ways of protecting our communities against flood risks, which are only increasing with changes to our climate.
 
"Climate change means that we are likely to experience periods of more intense rainfall. The use of permeable paving and Hydrorock in Kitson Road demonstrates that we can improve the appearance and function of our streets at the same time as reducing flood risk following downpours.”
 
“Kitson Road is a great example of 'sustainable drainage' - a phrase we will be hearing more frequently, as we explore better ways to manage heavy rainfall in urban areas." added Councillor Neden-Watts.

Learn more about how Richmond upon Thames is reducing flood risk, how residents can prepare for flooding, and about Community BlueScape's mission.