|
Construction
took four years and involved diverting the river Tees from its course.
 |
| The
Tees Barrage. |
The
barrage was built to improve the river's watersports facilities
by stabilising a stretch of the river which was previously tidal.
Four
massive flood gates, each weighing fifty tonnes, are operated by
hydraulic pistons.
They
make sure the river upstream stays at a constant level.
 |
| The
Barrage in action. |
There
is also a fish ladder which allows fish to navigate the barrage.
As
part of Teesside's regeneration the area surrounding the barrage
was landscaped.
There
are facilities for rafting, water skiing, kyaking and other watersports.
River
Tees Watersports Centre
 |
| The
new watersports centre. |
In
November 2001, the River Tees Watersports Centre opened on a former
derelict area of land on the north bank.
The
centre cost £1.5m to construct, and is used by canoeists,
dragon boat racers, waterskiers and rowers.
Inside,
it has modern changing and meeting facilities.
It
includes a one thousand metre stretch of tidal-free water, which
the Tees Barrage created.
Sixty
five per cent of the building costs were paid for with lottery money.
In
2001 the World Canoe Championships took place at the centre.
Return
to Tees Trail page.
|
