Environment Agency
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.
Navigation issues: updated 17 February 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Until further notice | Boulters Lock | Gates on the pedestal side do not open fully. Please use caution when entering and exiting the lock. |
| Until further notice | Romney reach | Green (starboard) navigation marker is resting just above Romney Weir. Please ignore this marker until it is returned to its normal location. Take care when navigating at Windsor Racecourse bend. |
River closures: updated 13 February 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 25 February 2023 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 4:30pm | Caversham reach | Reading University Head of the River Race 2023: the river between Purley on Thames Marina and Caversham Bridge, Reading will be closed during the stated times. |
| 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 16 February 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 17 January 2023 until further notice | Cookham Bridge | Cookham Bridge Obstruction 2023: 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. |
| Friday 17 February, Sunday 19 February, and Wednesday 22 February to Saturday 25 February 2023 | Iffley reach | Rowing on and Torpids 2023: between racing the navigation channel will be down the centre of the river. |
| Saturday 18 February 2023 7:30am to 5pm | Chertsey reach | Burway Rowing Club Small Boats Head 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right hand side of the river. |
| Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 March 2023 | Osney reach | Sheepwash Channel samples 2023: there will be restricted river width under the railway bridge during this time. |
| 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. |
Planned lock closures: updated 15 February 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 January 2023 to 31 March 2023 | Bray Lock | Repair of the lock gate and additional safety fencing. | Yes |
| 16 January 2023 to 6 March 2023 | Caversham Lock | Replacement of existing timbers on head landings on both banks in the lock cut.The lock and head lock cut remain closed for this period for safety reasons. | No |
| 27 February 2023 to 31 March 2023 | Marlow Lock | Replacement of lock chamber timbers. | No |
| 27 February 2023 to 31 March 2023 | Hambleden Lock | Repair of lock gate sluices. | Yes |
| 28 February 2023 to 31 March 2023 | Culham Lock | Replacement of hydraulic hoses, inspection and maintenance of chamber. | 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 |
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.
Last updated 17 February 2023 +show all updates
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Table of navigation issues added. Information previously displayed on external website River Thames Conditions.
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New restriction notice for core samples from Sheepwash Channel (Wed 1 March to Sat 4 Mar 2023).
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Marlow and Hambleden lock closure start dates have been delayed to 27 February 2023. Caversham last day of lock closure wi