Investing in river safety: Light years ahead at Stoneness

A £380,000 upgrade of the Stoneness Lighthouse, on the north bank of the Thames near Dartford Bridge, is close to being completed by the Port of London Authority (PLA).

A jack-up barge was used to deliver all plant and materials from Tilbury, with the existing base slab being reused to reduce the volume required.

PLA assistant civil engineer, Peter Trent, who led the project, said: “Part of our ongoing investment to keep the river safe for all users, this upgrade will ensure the lighthouse is fit for purpose for years to come.”

The paint coating used for the refurbishment has an anticipated 15-year lifespan.

Peter added: “Daily work over two weeks earlier this month was hampered only by dense fog.

“In liaison with Natural England, we undertook the project in autumn, to avoid disturbing local overwintering birds."

The project contractors were Southbay Civil Engineering Limited, Red 7 Marine and Oscar Nelson Limited. It was designed by M. D. Carvell Associates, with IMS Energy Limited fabricating and painting the new structure.