Environment Agency
Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 22 September 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 22 September until Sunday 24 September 2023 | Chertsey Lock | Chertsey Lock public power is currently unavailable. You can use the lock by handwinding if a Lock Keeper is unavailable. |
| Until further notice | Clifton weir stream | Shoal reported downstream of The Plough public house. Boaters are advised not to navigate up Clifton weir stream. |
| 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 7 September 2023
There are currently no river closure notices.
River restrictions: updated 21 September 2023
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 4 September to Friday 17 November 2023 | Teddington reach | Teddington Lock Cut Footbridge Repairs 2023: marker buoys will be in place to mark the navigation restriction. |
| Tuesday 5 September to 1 November 2023 8am to 5pm | Upstream of St Johns Lock | Halfpenny Bridge repairs 2023: temporary restrictions to access will be in place under and over the bridge arches. |
| Friday 22 September 2023 8am to 6pm | Sunbury reach | Walton Rowing Club Regatta 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right side of the river. |
| 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. |
| Saturday 7 October 2023 8am to 5pm | Caversham reach | Reading Small Boats Head 2023: during racing times all normal river traffic should navigate on the non-towpath, right hand bank. |
| Sunday 8 October 2023 10am to 12:15pm and 1pm to 3pm | Teddington reach | Royal Outrigger Canoe Club Hampton Court Challenge 2023: boaters to navigate slowly and keep a lookout between Trowlock Island and Hampton Court Bridge. |
| Saturday 14 October 2023 9am to 5pm | Sunbury reach | Weybridge Silver Sculls 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right side of the river, using the old river around Desborough Island. |
| Saturday 14 October 2023 10am to 4pm | Teddington reach | Royal Canoe Club Paddling Challenge 2023: the navigation channel will be on the Surrey, left side of the river. |
| Sunday 29 October 2023 9am to 4pm | Hambleden reach | Upper Thames Autumn Head 2023: the navigation channel will be in the centre of the river. All boats to navigation on the Buckinghamshire, right side of Temple Island. |
Planned lock closures: updated 18 August 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 2023 to March 2024.
| When | Where | Work being carried out | Canoe portage with care during closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 | Sandford Lock, Shiplake Lock, Marsh Lock, Hambleden Lock, Bray Lock and Boveney Lock | Upgrading and standardising the hydraulic control system. | Yes |
| 30 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 | Bray Lock | Improvements to tail canoe portage. | No |
| 30 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 | Teddington Launch Lock | Reconstruction of the lock walls, gate ram trench and areas of the lock side. | 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.
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Last updated 22 September 2023 +show all updates
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Chertsey Lock public power is currently unavailable. You can use the lock by handwinding if a lock keeper is unavailable. Please note that from the end of Lock Keeper service on Sunday 24 September Chertsey Lock will be closed until further notice. During this time contractors will make a full assessment of the repairs required. Please ensure you make all necessary boat moves prior to the end of Lock Keeper service on Sunday 24 September.
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New restriction notices added for Reading Small Boats Head (Sat 7 Oct. 2023), Royal Outrigger Canoe Club (Sun 8 Oct. 2023), Weybridge Silver Sculls Regatta (Sat 14 Oct. 2023), Royal Canoe Club Paddling Challenge (Sat 14 Oct. 2023), and Upper Thames Autumn Head (Sun 29 Oct. 2023).