GovWire

Guidance: River Thames: restrictions and closures

Environment Agency

November 15
13:54 2023

Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.

When Where Whats happening
Friday 10 November 2023 until further notice Teddington reach Partially submerged boat reported, approximately 100 metres downstream of Thames Ditton Island on the Hampton Court, right hand side of the river. Please use caution when navigating through this stretch of the river.
Friday 27 October to Tuesday 14 November 2023 Staines Railway Bridge Maintenance works to Staines Railway Bridge. Please be cautious of falling debris if navigating near the bridge.
Until further notice Clifton weir stream Shoal reported downstream of The Plough public house. Boaters are advised not to navigate up Clifton weir stream.
Until further notice Canal Bridge, Radcot A vehicle has damaged Canal Bridge, where Radcot Road A4095 crosses the River Thames. Please be cautious of falling debris if navigating near the bridge.
Until further notice Boulters Lock Gates on the pedestal side do not open fully. Width of the tail gates is restricted to no more than 5.5 metres (18). Please use caution when entering and exiting the lock.

River closures: updated 15 November 2023

When Where Whats happening
6pm Sunday 24 September 2023 until further notice Chertsey Lock Chertsey Lock breakdown 2023: the lock is closed so that contractors can undertake repairs.
Monday 6 to Friday 17 November 2023 7:30am to 5:30pm Bell Weir Lock Bell Weir Lock repairs 2023: Bell Weir Lock will be closed to navigation at the stated times and overnight on Monday 6 November.
Saturday 25 November 2023 8:30am to 11:30pm and 12:30pm to 3:30pm Molesey reach Hampton Small Boats Head 2023: the river will be closed to all traffic 500 metres downstream of Sunbury Lock to 500 metres downstream of Platts Eyot during the stated time.
Sunday 26 November 2023 9:30am to 12pm Teddington reach Royal Canoe Club 10@10 2023: the river between Trowlock Island and Kingston Bridge will be closed to all traffic during the stated time.

River restrictions: updated 8 November 2023

When Where Whats happening
Monday 4 September 2023 to Friday 2 February 2023 Teddington reach Teddington Lock Cut Footbridge Repairs 2023: marker buoys will be in place to mark the navigation restriction.
Tuesday 5 September to 1 November 2023 8am to 5pm Upstream of St Johns Lock Halfpenny Bridge repairs 2023: temporary restrictions to access will be in place under and over the bridge arches.
Monday 13 November to Friday 15 December 2023 Romney reach Windsor Railway Bridge repairs 2023: whilst works are carried out scaffolding beneath the bridge will restrict the width of the channel by up to a half on the Eton, right side of the river.
Sunday 29 October, Sunday 26 November, Sunday 21 January, Sunday 4 February, and Sunday 18 February 2024 Iffley reach Isis Winter League 2023 and 2024: the navigation channel will be in the centre of the river for large vessels. Smaller vessels will be allowed to use the transit lane downstream and follow racing boats upstream.
Monday 30 October 2023 to Monday 25 March 2024 Iffley reach Old Gasworks Bridge works 2023: these works will reduce the air draft of the bridge to 2.2 metres. This will be clearly signed on the bridge, together with hazard warning signage.
Wednesday 22 November to Friday 24 November 11:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday 25 November 2023 10:30am to 4:30pm Iffley reach Michaelmas Novice Regatta 2023: the navigation channel downstream for smaller craft will be on the right bank. The navigation channel upstream will be on the left bank. The centre will be available to larger cruisers both upstream and downstream. The centre navigation channel will also be available in between races.
Saturday 9 December 2023 9am to 4pm Sunbury reach Walton Small Boats Head 2023: the navigation channel will be on the old river and the Middlesex, right hand side of the river.

Planned lock closures: updated 10 November 2023

The Environment Agency carries out a programme of works on the River Thames every year between October and the end of March. This results in the closure of a number of locks sometimes for relatively long periods.

The first issue of the programme is published in August each year. This is so that river users can plan their winter cruising and boat movements well in advance.

This programme of work is subject to change, due to weather and other circumstances. Revised issues of the programme of works are published throughout the winter, so river users can keep up to date. To receive this information, sign up to the email update service.

We will update closure notices in all cases to ensure customers have at least 10 days before works commence.

Investment programme October 2023 to March 2024.

When Where Work being carried out Canoe portage with care during closure
January 2024 to 31 March 2024 Marsh Lock and Hambleden Lock Upgrading and standardising the hydraulic control system. Yes
December 2023 to 31 March 2024 Bray Lock Improvements to tail canoe portage. No
1 October 2023 until further notice Chertsey Lock Emergency works to fix the anchor plates that secure the gates to the wall Yes
1 October 2023 until further notice Teddington Launch Lock Reconstruction of the lock walls, gate ram trench and areas of the lock side. Yes

During the closure of Teddington Launch Lock navigation will be maintained by using the barge lock on site.

Email updates and newsletter

You can subscribe to newsletters about navigation on the River Thames and email updates on River Thames closures and restrictions.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this service, email riverthames@environment-agency.gov.uk with subscribe or unsubscribe in the subject line.

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