Environment Agency
Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 14 August 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 12 August 2023 until further notice | Whitchurch Lock | Whitchurch Lock is currently closed until further notice. Engineers have assessed the fault and are progressing with emergency repairs. |
| Until further notice | Marsh reach | Fallen tree obstructing half of the navigation channel. Approximate location three quarters of a mile upstream of Marsh Lock. Please use caution when navigating. |
| Until further notice | Bell Weir reach | Fallen tree on right hand channel causing obstruction to navigation. Approximate location just downstream of Straight Road, Priest Hill and Windsor Road, what3words ///state.humble.sugars. |
| 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 8 August 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 17 August and Sunday 3 September 2023 7pm to Midnight | Caversham reach | Temporary Bridge for Reading Festival 2023: a temporary footbridge will be installed across the River Thames at Scours Lane. |
River restrictions: updated 14 August 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 10 July to Friday 18 August 2023 | Blakes Lock weir stream portage | Blakes Lock portage closure 2023: navigation in the downstream weir stream will be restricted. |
| Monday 24 July to Friday 20 October 2023 | Teddington reach | Teddington Lock Cut Footbridge Repairs 2023: marker buoys will be in place to mark the navigation restriction. |
| Saturday 19 August 2023 8:30am to 6pm | Temple reach | Hurley Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will be on the right, Harleyford Estate side of the river. |
| Saturday 19 August 2023 9am to 5pm | Sunbury reach | TVSC Walton Reach Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right-hand side of the river. |
| Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August 2023 8am to 6pm | Iffley reach | Oxford City Royal Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will be on the towpath, left side of the river. |
| Sunday 27 August 2023 8:30am to 6pm | Hambleden reach | The Skiff Championships Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will on the Fawley Court, right side of the river. |
| Saturday 2 September 2023 8:30am to 6pm | Teddington reach | The Skiff Club Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right hand side of the river. |
| Saturday 2 September 2023 9am to 6pm | Cookham reach | Cookham Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Bourne End, right hand side of the river. |
| Saturday 9 September 2023 9am to 6pm | Teddington reach | SUP World Series Polo Tournament 2023: the Surrey, left hand channel of Ravens Ait will be restricted by up to half its normal width. The navigation channel on the Surrey side will be on the Ravens Ait side. |
| Saturday 23 September 2023 10am to 5pm | Teddington reach | Dittons Skiff and Punting Club Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right side of the river. |
Planned lock closures: updated 27 April 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.
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 14 August 2023 +show all updates
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New restriction notices for September added - Cookham Regatta (Sat 2 Sept), The Skiff Club Regatta (Sat 2 Sept), SUP World Series Polo Tournament (Sat 9 Sept), and Dittons Skiff and Punting Club Regatta (Sat 23 Sept).
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Whitchurch Lock is currently closed until further notice. Engineers have assessed the fault and are progressing with emergency repairs. This page will be updated as soon as further information is available.