Environment Agency
Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 16 September 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 16 September 2024 until further notice | Osney Lock | No public power. Lock can only be operated on hand-wind out of lock keeper working hours. |
| 16 September 2024 until further notice | Grafton reach | Hazard to navigation reported hanging down from Eaton footbridge. Boaters should navigate with caution around footbridge. |
| 9 July 2024 until further notice | Whitchurch Lock | Downstream lock cut obstructed by fallen tree in navigation. Boats are advised to navigate with caution. |
| 22 June 2024 until further notice | Benson Lock | Shoal reported downstream of lock. When navigating upstream the shoal is on the right hand side of the navigation channel. Boaters should navigate with caution when entering or exiting the tail gates. |
| 23 April 2024 until further notice | Caversham reach | Submerged boat reported in central third of navigation channel, just upstream of St Marys Island. Boaters should navigate with caution and avoid using middle of the navigation at this location. |
| 20 April 2024 Until further notice | Whitchurch head lock cut | Obstruction to navigation above head gates. Boaters should navigate with caution when entering or exiting the upstream lock cut. |
| 1 October 2023 until further notice | Teddington Launch Lock | Lock is closed for repairs to lock walls, gate ram trench and areas of the lock side. |
| 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 5 September 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 12 and Monday 23 September 2024 | Osney reach | Botley Road Highway Bridge works 2024: heavy plant is being transported to site and there will be a temporary closure of the navigation for a 2 hour period during the mornings of the 12 and 23 September 2024. |
River restrictions: updated 13 September 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 9 September to Monday 4 November 2024 | Iffley reach | Oxford towpath and bank works 2024: there will be no mooring from Old Gasworks Bridge to Folly Bridge during the stated dates. |
| Saturday 14 September 2024 10am to 5pm | Teddington reach | Dittons Skiff and Punting Club Regatta 2024: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right side of the river. |
| Sunday 22 September 2024, 6am to 11am | Hambleden reach | One on the River Triathlon 2024: the navigation channel will be on the Remenham, Berkshire, left side of the river. |
| Saturday 28 September 2024 9am to 5pm | Bell Weir reach | Wraysbury Skiff and Punting Club Regatta 2024: the navigation channel will be on the Wraysbury, right side of the river. |
Planned lock closures: updated 13 September 2024
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 10 weeks in advance of the first planned lock closure. 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 November 2024 to March 2025.
| When | Where | Work being carried out | Canoe portage with care during closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 November 2024 to 16 December 2024 | Buscot Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
| 27 November 2024 to 3 January 2025 | Whitchurch Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
| 3 January 2025 to 3 February 2025 | Sonning Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
| 31 January 2025 to 7 March 2025 | Marlow Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
| 10 March 2025 to 1 April 2025 | Romney Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | 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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Updates to this page
Last updated 16 September 2024 +show all updates
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16 September 2024 until further notice | Osney Lock | No public power. Lock can only be operated on hand-wind out of lock keeper working hours.
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Hazard to navigation reported hanging down from Eaton footbridge, Grafton reach. Boater