Environment Agency
Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 7 October 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 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 tied to left hand bank looking upstream, just upstream of St Marys Island. Boaters should navigate with caution. |
| 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 7 October 2024
There are currently no scheduled events requiring river closure.
River restrictions: updated 8 October 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 12 October 2024 10am to 4pm | Teddington reach | Royal Canoe Club Paddling Challenge 2024: the navigation channel will be on the Surrey, left side of the river. |
| Sunday 20 October, Sunday 10 November, Saturday 30 November 2024, Sunday 26 January, Sunday 16 February, Sunday 2 March 2025 | Hambleden reach | Henley Winter Series 2024: there will be no racing channel. Competitors will navigate the river correctly and safely whilst being aware of other river users. |
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 8 October 2024 +show all updates
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Henley Bridge works delayed due to river conditions (Monday 14 October to Friday 22 November 2024).
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Power has been restored at Boveney Lock. No longer on handwind only.
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Royal Outrigger Canoe Club Hampton Court Challenge 2024 (Sunday 6 October 2024) has been cancelled due to strong stream conditions.
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Update to navigation issues. Shiplake Lock now open for navigation.
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Reading Small Boats Head cancelled due to river conditions (Sat 5 Oct. 2024).
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Boveney Lock power is currently unavailable. You can use the lock by handwinding only.