Description and History of Site:-
The River Foss Barrier is a floodgate that straddles the River Foss in York at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss just south of Clifford's Tower. The barrier was opened in 1988 after flooding from the Foss and two other becks caused more damage to properties in the city than when the Ouse was in spate. The purpose of the barrier is to prevent backing up of floodwater from the Foss when it meets the surgewater of the Ouse and cannot drain away. The pumps adjacent to the barrier move water from the Foss into the Ouse. The barrier is a steel turn-over lifting gate of 8 3m span and 8 25m height weighing 16.5 tonnes. When not in closed state, it is held horizontally above the river and boats and barges pass underneath The total cost of the barrier and associated defences was £3.34 million. Following the overwhelming of the barrier during December 2015 floods the Environment Agency begin work on a £13 million project to upgrade the pumps.

Further Reading and References:-
River Foss flood alleviation scheme, National Rivers Authority, Leeds, 1988.
Foss Barrier and Pumping Station: Factual Report on flooding on 26th December 2015, Environment Agency, 2016.

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Key Words :- river foss flood barrier

Viewing the Site :- Visible from riverside walks

Address :- York, North Yorkshire, YO10 4BX
Grid Ref :- SE 60573 51090
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.952370 , Long -1.078477
Local Authority :- City of York
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Site extant - Protected status unknown
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Record Date :- 30 August 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Charles Morris