Kenson Highways, working in partnership with Redbridge Council, is proud to announce the successful completion and operation of the River Roding Gravity Chamber—a key part of our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions. This major milestone is helping to tackle flood risks in Clayhall, an area severely affected by devastating flooding in July 2021.
The newly introduced gravity chamber system has been designed to address a critical issue: when the River Roding rises, the traditional outflow flap from the culvert that drains Clayhall cannot open, causing water surcharges to back up through gullies and manholes—resulting in surface flooding. Our smart engineering solution now redirects water from the culvert into a gravity-fed chamber, allowing it to outflow safely back into the River Roding. This approach significantly reduces water surcharging and greatly mitigates the risk of flooding.
This project demonstrates the power of innovative engineering and strong collaboration. Working closely with Redbridge Council, Kenson Highways has delivered a practical and efficient solution to a longstanding problem—one that enhances flood resilience for the community and supports wider sustainable drainage strategies in the area.
Lee Wheatley, Director at Kenson Highways, said:
“We are proud to have collaborated with Redbridge Council to deliver this forward-thinking flood alleviation scheme. Through innovative design and engineering excellence, we’ve delivered a solution that will protect Clayhall and strengthen the borough’s resilience to future flooding.”
Dhiresh Bhatt, Head of Highways and Transportation at Redbridge Council, added:
“This gravity chamber project is a shining example of how our partnership with Kenson Highways delivers real value to residents. Their expertise and commitment to innovation have helped reduce flood risk quickly and effectively, improving outcomes across the borough.”
At Kenson Highways, we remain dedicated to delivering smarter, safer, and more resilient infrastructure—protecting communities today and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
