Hydromechanical equipment for Cardiff Bay Barrage

The barrage now constructed across the entrance to Cardiff Bay is acting as the catalyst in facilitating the revitalisation of the old industrial and port areas of the capital city of Wales. The fresh water bay created by the barrage is designed to stimulate development opportunities around the water's edge and to provide extensive leisure opportunities. Fresh water flowing from the Taff and Ely rivers is retained on the upstream side of the barrage while salt water from the seaward side is prevented from entering the bay when the tide is higher than the bay level by automatically closing the gates. The main contract for the barrage works was awarded to a main contractor (Balfour Beatty-Costain Joint Venture) in May 1994 and was effectively completed in late 2000. A contract for all of the hydromechanical works was sublet to a specialist German water control gate designer and manufacturer (Noell Gmbh), with a separate contract let for all of the electrical works (Lintott), including power distribution around the site and water control gate operation. This paper describes the various elements of hydromechanical equipment employed on the barrage to provide passage for water, vessels, fish, and road and pedestrian traffic on or through the barrage.