Balfour Beatty has secured a £250m contract to help strengthen the tidal flood defences along the Thames Estuary.

The 10-year programme is the largest single flood risk asset management programme ever awarded in the UK. It aims to protect 1.25 million people from flooding risk across Kent, Essex and London.

The programme, led by CH2M Hill, will involve creating tidal walls and embankments, refurbishing major flood barriers, and creating new assets such as pumping stations.

Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty’s group chief executive, said: ‘We look forward to being part of an integrated team that will deliver this vital programme along the Thames Estuary. Balfour Beatty is bringing significant expertise in flood defence to protect one of the world’s greatest cities from the sea.

'And, with our partners we will offer long-term, skilled, opportunities to the next generation of civil engineers.’