Environment Agency
Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 7 February 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 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 13 March 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 1 March to Thursday 28 March 2024 | Osney reach | Botley Road Bridge repairs 2024: essential bridge repairs will result in short, intermittent river closures. |
River restrictions: updated 28 March 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 25 March to Monday 17 June 2024 | Hambleden reach | Henley Royal Regatta 2024 course construction: boaters travelling downstream should use left, Berkshire/Remenham side of the river within the regatta course. Boaters travelling upstream should use the right, Buckinghamshire/Fawley Court side of the river. |
| Saturday 30 March to Monday 1 April 2024 | Reading to Teddington | Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race 2024: masters of all vessels in the vicinity of participants must ensure that they maintain a proper lookout and navigate with extreme caution, keeping wash to a minimum. |
| Sunday 7 April 2024 9am to 1pm | Bell Weir reach | Wraysbury Skiff and Punting Club Long Distance Paddle 2024: there will be no racing channel. Be aware of competitors in the area. |
| Thursday 11 April to Friday 12 April 2024 | Teddington reach | Teddington Lock Cut Footbridge repairs 2024: the width of the channel under the bridge will be restricted by up to one third. |
| Sunday 21 April | Iffley reach | City of Oxford Bumps 2024: boaters will be asked to wait whilst each race is carried out, which should be less than 10 minutes, they will proceed to the finish line on Christ Church Meadows. There will be event signs posted along the riverbank. |
Planned lock closures: updated 28 March 2024
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 January 2024 to 28 March 2024 | Bray Lock | Improvements to tail canoe portage. | No |
| 1 October 2023 until further notice | Teddington Launch Lock | Reconstruction of the lock walls, gate ram trench and areas of the lock side. | Yes |
Bray Lock will be available for navigation from 29 March 2024. However, it may be necessary to close the lock for short periods after this date to allow works to be carried out. River users will be notified via a river closure notice. An alternative canoe portage will be provided during this time.
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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Last updated 28 March 2024 +show all updates
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New event notice for Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race 2024 (Saturday 30 March to Monday 1 April).
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Update to planned lock closures. Works to repair Hambleden Lock have been completed.
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New restriction notice for City of Oxford Bumps 2024 (Sun 21 April). Out of date notice removed.
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New restriction notice added for Teddington Lock Cut Footbridge repairs (Thursday 11 April to Friday 12 April 2024).
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Update to planned lock closures October 2023 to March 2024.
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