The Environment Agency is planning to test an alternative method of installing the foundations of the new flood walls at Waterside.
Due to boulders and bedrock beneath the bank of the River Kent, a different method of drilling to install metal beams into the rock to support the flood walls, the agency said.
This will enable the defences to withstand the pressure of flood water, it added.
The specialist drilling rig will be set up on Miller Fields, Aynam Road side of the River Kent on Monday, March 25, to carry out a one-day trial to test the suitability of the technique in penetrating the obstructions.
Independent specialists will be monitoring the sound and vibration levels around the test site. The pile trial is expected to take place on a single day.
The results from the test drilling will be reviewed and follow up work to install the piles along the river at Waterside are expected to start several weeks after the testing. Once completed, this work will protect riverside properties not only from river flooding but will also reduce the risk of ground water flooding.
Alex Cowin, Environment Agency project manager for the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme, said: “We are testing a different method of installing the piles to ensure the flood walls are structurally secure.
“These preliminary tests will provide us with the information to ensure we can drill deep enough into the rock. It will also help us to manage the sound and vibrations caused during the installation and reduce the impact on residents and businesses in the Waterside area.
“Once the scheme is completed it will provide better protection to more than 1,400 homes and 1,100 local businesses.
