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Guidance: River Thames: restrictions and closures

Environment Agency

March 17
12:20 2023

Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, some of our services will be restricted until further notice.

You can find more information on what services are affected by our response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our locks and facilities page.

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

When Where Whats happening
Tuesday 21 March 2023 to Friday 24 March 2023 Blakes Lock Blakes lock canoe portage closed
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.
Monday 13 March 2023 to Tuesday 9 May 2023 Various locks Works on lock gate winching points. No Impact to boat passage. Pedestrian access over lock gates may be temporarily re-routed to avoid working areas.

River closures: updated 27 February 2023

When Where Whats happening
Saturday 11 March 2023 10:30am to 12:30am and 1:30pm to 3:30pm Teddington reach Kingston Head of the River Race 2023: the river between Trowlock Island and Hampton Court Bridge will be closed during the stated times.

River restrictions: updated 13 March 2023

When Where Whats happening
Until further notice Cookham reach Cookham Bridge Obstruction 2023: river restriction notice: a large tree is blocking the second bridge arch on the left looking upstream.
Sunday 22 January, Sunday 5 February, and Sunday 30 April 2023 Iffley reach Isis Winter League 2023: in between races the navigation channel will be in the centre of the river.
Monday 27 February to Monday 13 March 2023 Shiplake reach Wargrave Railway Bridge repairs 2023: during this time navigation through one arch will be restricted. The navigation arch will be identified by a blue direction arrow.
Monday 20 March to Monday 12 June 2023 Henley reach Henley Royal Regatta course construction 2023: boats travelling downstream should navigate on the left hand side of the river within the regatta course. Boats travelling upstream should navigate on the right hand side of the river.
Sunday 26 March 2023, 8am to 1pm Henley reach Phyllis Court Club Spring Time Trial 2023: the navigation channel will be in the centre of the river.
Friday 7 April to Monday 10 April 2023 Blakes Lock to Teddington Lock Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race 2023: when in the vicinity of canoes think ahead - slow down and watch your wash.
Sunday 16 April 2023, 8am to 6pm Culham reach Abingdon Spring Head of the River Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Abingdon Marina, left hand side of the river.

Planned lock closures: updated 10 March 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.

Investment programme October 2022 to March 2023

When Where Work being carried out Canoe portage with care during closure
Work completed Marlow Lock Lock now open to navigation.
Work postponed Hambleden Lock Lock is open to navigation. Work to repair lock gate sluices has been postponed and essential work will be undertaken in the future.
3 January 2023 to 31 March 2023 Bray Lock Repair of the lock gate and additional safety fencing. Yes
13 March 2023 to 31 March 2023 Goring Lock Lock chamber walkway resurfacing and concreting on lock edge. Installation of safety fencing on the lock island. Yes
14 March 2023 to 31 March 2023 Culham Lock Replacement of hydraulic hoses, inspection and maintenance of chamber. Yes

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.

Please say whether you want to subscribe to or unsubscribe from:- closures and restrictions emails- newsletter emails- both

We will use your personal information in line with our privacy notice.

Published 12 February 2020
Last updated 17 March 2023 +show all updates
  1. Navigation issues updated. Blake's lock canoe portage closed Tuesday 21 March to Friday 24 March 2023 inclusive.

  2. New restriction notice for Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race (Fri 7 April - Mon 10 April 2023) and Abingdon Spring Head of the River Regatta (Sun 16 April 2023).

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