Magdalen Bridge Outfall

This area currently drains by a gravity outfall on the western side of the catchment into the Middle Level Commissioners’ Main Drain (MLMD). The MLMD also serves as a navigation channel, which requires it to be held at higher levels, occasionally limiting gravity discharge and increasing flood risk within the Magdalen catchment. The absence of a flap valve on the outfall meant water levels in the MLMD directly influenced catchment levels.

The Magdalen Bridge Outfall Project has installed a new 30-metre culvert with precast inlet and outlet structures fitted with a flap valve and penstock to manage water flow and prevent backflooding.

To ensure ecological compliance, water vole mitigation was undertaken in spring ahead of construction.