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 20 February 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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 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 6 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. |
Planned lock closures: updated 1 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 | Caversham Lock | Lock now open to navigation | N/A | |
| 3 January 2023 to 31 March 2023 | Bray Lock | Repair of the lock gate and additional safety fencing. | Yes | |
| 27 February 2023 to 31 March 2023 | Marlow Lock | Replacement of lock chamber timbers. | No | |
| 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 | |
| 20 March 2023 to 31 March 2023 | Hambleden Lock | Repair of lock gate sluices. | 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 6 March 2023 +show all updates
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A previously deleted notice has been added - Cookham Bridge Obstruction (now until further notice).
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New restriction notice for Henley Royal Regatta course construction (Mon 20 March to Mon 12 June).
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Changes to Planned Lock Closures: Caversham Lock now open to navigation and start date for work at Culham Lock and Hambleden Lock delayed.
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Out of date notices removed.
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Out of date notice removed and new restriction notice