Work starts to improve Tilbury’s flood defences February 3, 2021, by Zlatan Hrvacevic Construction work has started on an innovative scheme to improve Tilbury’s flood defences, informs the Environment Agency. In a project of national importance, the existing port lock gates will be replaced with pioneering dual function lock gates, and the EA’s tidal barrier will be removed. This is a major joint project between the Environment Agency and The Port of Tilbury that will safeguard thousands of homes and businesses in the local area. Work started in January and is expected to last for 18 months with the new lock gates planned for installation in late 2021/early 2022.