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Guidance: River Thames: restrictions and closures

Environment Agency

February 27
12:49 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
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 22 February 2023

When Where Whats happening
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.
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.

Published 12 February 2020
Last updated 27 February 2023 +show all updates
  1. Out of date notices removed.

  2. Out of date notice removed and new restriction notice for Wraysbury Skiff and Punting Club Long Distance Paddle (Sun 26 Feb 2023).

  3. Update to navigation issues. Boulters Lock tail gates width restricted to no more than 5.5 metres (18').

  4. Out of date notices removed. New restriction notice for Wargrave Railway Bridge repairs (Mon 27 Feb to Mon 13 March 2023).

  5. Table of navigation issues added. Information previously displayed on external website River Thames Conditions.

  6. New restriction notice for core samples from Sheepwash Channel (Wed 1 March to Sat 4 Mar 2

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