The news comes as the team put the finishing touches to the control building, a vital element of the project.
The Ipswich flood barrier is approaching the last stage of its development, the Environment Agency has announced.
The news comes as the team put the finishing touches to the control building, a vital element of the project.
The £70m project to protect Ipswich Waterfront and town centre from the threat of tidal and storm surges passed a crucial milestone in December when huge hydraulic arms designed to operate the flood gate were installed.
The chief executive of the Environment Agency also visited the site.
The Ipswich barrier should offer protection to 2,000 properties – both homes and businesses.
As well as protecting them from the danger of flooding, it should bring down insurance premiums and should also make the area more attractive for developers.
The barrier gate is expected to be operational in the spring of 2018.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here